Celebrate A Decade of Impact!

Can you believe it?  2025 marks 10 incredible years of reducing isolation among young adults facing cancer!  Together, we’ve built a vibrant, resilient, and creative community – and now it’s time to celebrate everything we’ve achieved.

Shall I set the scene? 

On April 5, 2025, we’ll gather in beautiful Berkeley, California, to raise our sparkling glasses and honor a decade of impact on the young adult cancer community.  This unforgettable evening will feature Barcelona-inspired tapas, signature refreshments, and an exquisite gallery of auctionable art created by our talented community members.  The night will also feature an inspiring award ceremony to recognize exceptional advocates who have lived out our mission

But that’s not all!  Start the day with us at a morning Art Workshop where we will experience the magic of creative coping and community in person (!!!). Over coffee and treats, we’ll come together to create, connect, and celebrate the power of art in healing.

Over the past 10 years, Cactus Cancer Society’s virtual creative coping programs have brought hope and connection to more than 14,500 young adults as they navigate the harsh landscape of cancer. This remarkable milestone –and the transformative power of community– are a testament to the unwavering support of our cherished network mission partners, program participants, and dedicated advocates. Cactus Cancer Society, at its core, is a creative collaboration, and every bit of this success reflects what you, our community, has made possible. 

So, will you join us?  Dust off your California cocktail attire that makes you feel fabulous because we are wine-ing, dining, and celebrating this anniversary in style. 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gather in person with our vibrant young adult cancer community and the allies in our mission who have made this decade of impact possible. Tickets are available at the early bird price until February 1st – secure yours today and mark your calendar for an event that promises to inspire, uplift, and celebrate or shared impact.

Together, let’s toast to 10 years of resilience, creativity, and connection–and to the incredible future ahead!

GET YOUR GALA TICKET NOW!

How do stress, conflict, and isolation impact cancer outcomes?

Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we believe in the power of research for improving the lives of those who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future.  We’re always interested in amplifying the voices and experiences of young adults facing cancer, and making sure this population is represented in research. Check out the research opportunity below to see how you can use your story to help others!

The Young Adult Cancer Survivor Study

The purpose of this study is to understand more about how the world that teen and young adult lymphoma survivors live in affects the outcomes of their cancer treatment. We call this field of research social genomics, and it takes a close look at why and how different factors like social stress, conflict, and isolation can impact cancer diagnoses and outcomes.

This study for young adult cancer survivors is being run by a fellow young adult cancer survivor.  For more info, watch the research team’s informational YouTube video at https://youtu.be/xDlnWKvtkuU.

Am I Eligible to Participate?

You are eligible to participate if you:

  • Were diagnosed with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma between the ages of 15 and 39
  • Are currently between the ages of 18 and 39
  • Completed treatment within the past three years

What Will I Be Asked to Do?

You’ll be asked to complete an online survey every six months for two years and provide a blood sample every six months for two years.

Will I Be Compensated?

Participants will receive a $20 gift card each time they complete a survey and provide a blood sample (5 times for a total of $100).

How Do I Sign Up?

Learn more at https://youtu.be/xDlnWKvtkuU.  To sign up to participate, visit https://redcapproduction.umms.med.umich.edu/surveys/?s=ATKW4KFCEYHL9YR3

Happy National Caregivers Month!

November is National Caregiver Month, and Cactus Cancer Society wants to honor and celebrate all of the incredible caregivers in our community! There’s no way to properly thank you for everything you do, but we want to highlight you and offer a token of appreciation for our thanks! In honor of these amazing caregivers, we have a few extra things going on this month!

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Join The Greenhouse!

Members of the Greenhouse are a generous and caring group of people advocating for a world where all young adults facing cancer get the support and community they need. Will you join us?

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Join the YA Cancer Gabfest Scavenger Hunt!

It was a fan favorite last year, so YA Cancer Gabfest is hosting another scavenger hunt this year! No matter where you call home, you can join this completely online scavenger hunt through the free app, Goosechase, brought to you by Cactus Cancer Society and Elephants and Tea!

Who: the young adult cancer community

When: Wednesday, November 30th @ 9:00am PT / 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET through Wednesday, December 7th @ 9:00am PT / 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET via Goosechase app.* (*US time zones…please confirm what time this means for where you live)

How does it work?

  • First, download the free app, available for Apple and Android. 
  • Second, sign up for a free account!
  • Third, find our game! You can search for “YA Cancer Gabfest 2022 Scavenger Hunt” or use the unique game code “8XB7MD.” Game Password: Gabster2022
  • Fourth, complete missions, as many as you’d like or can, within the weeklong time period. Missions are scored individually with bonus points awarded for extra creativity!

We’ve got prizes for the top three scoring winners! (Please note that by participating in the GooseChase game, you agree to let Cactus Cancer Society/Elephants and Tea use anything you upload in the scavenger hunt on social media, our websites, as well as in the scavenger hunt winner announcements at YA Cancer Gabfest.) We’ll be announcing the champions at YA Cancer Gabfest’s After Hours session on Friday, Dec 9, so make sure you’re registered for YA Cancer Gabfest!

We can’t wait to see all your creativity shine through. Happy hunting!