Cactus Cancer Society’s 10th Anniversary Anthology is Here!

Love that unmistakable new book smell? You’re in luck! 

To celebrate ten years of community and creativity, Cactus Cancer Society is proud to announce our very first–and long-awaited–Anthology! 

This one-of-a-kind book is a vibrant collection of poems, short stories, and visual arts, all created by members of our young adult cancer community. Every page of the anthology tells a story of resilience, connection, and hope. 

It’s hard to imagine any single object could encapsulate the vibrancy and brilliance of our community members, let alone an entire decade of Cactus Cancer Society’s biggest milestones. Yet, this anthology accomplishes just that.

Cancer is an incredibly heavy burden, but when shared among community members, our reflections can offer a sense of lightness, comfort, and ease. Through creative expression, we transform the most isolating days of our lives into something beautiful and poetic. When you hold this book in your hands, you’ll understand exactly what we mean.

This is more than just a book. It’s a limited-edition art collection, a celebration of community, and a piece of Cactus Cancer Society history. Grab your copy today!

Get Your Anthology!

Celebrating 10 Years of Connection and Creativity for Young Adults Facing Cancer

On April 7, 2025 Cactus Cancer Society reached an incredible milestone – our 10th Birthday! 

For the past decade, we’ve been honored to walk alongside more than 15,000 young adults as they navigate cancer, offering them free, virtual creative coping programs that bring connection, creativity, and community when they need it most. 

This momentous anniversary wouldn’t be possible without YOU – our cherished network of mission partners, passionate program participants, generous donors, and dedicated advocates. Cactus Cancer Society, at its core, is the creative collaboration of every stakeholder invested in our mission. 

Whether you’ve shared your time, talents, creativity, resources, brilliance, or heart, we extend our sincere gratitude to you for making Cactus Cancer Society a space where young adults facing cancer feel safe seeking support during the most difficult circumstances of their lives. 

From our early days as a humble blog and e-commerce site run by a single, determined cancer survivor to the thriving organization we are now–with 6 staff members, over 700 donors, and a growing community of over 15,000 program participants–our journey has been one of resilience, growth, and deep connection.

Cactus Cancer Society is a growth-minded organization, deeply rooted in resilience and ever-inspired by the vibrancy of our community members. Looking ahead, our vision remains as clear as ever: ensure no young adult faces cancer alone. 

As we look back with pride and ahead with purpose, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come!

Thank you for being part of our story–and here’s to the next 10 years of creativity, connection, and community!

Introducing: The 10th Anniversary Art Gallery & Auction

For the past decade, Cactus Cancer Society has been a place of creativity, connection, and support for young adults facing cancer. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we wish every one of our friends could be with us in person – but no matter where you are, you’re a part of this community and we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone.

In true Cactus Cancer Society fashion, we’ve created something special that everyone – near or far – can be part of. Allow us to introduce the 10th Anniversary Art Gallery & Auction:

This stunning collection showcases mixed-media masterpieces created by our beloved community members – art that tells stories of resilience, connection, and hope. Each piece is a reflection of the journeys, emotions, and experiences of young adults facing cancer, capturing moments of strength and beauty.

But that’s not all – our auction also features an array of exciting silent auction-style goodies, including private wine tasting, gift baskets, a tea-matching service, gorgeous artisan jewelry, and more! Whether you’re bidding on one-of-a-kind artwork or a special treat for yourself or a loved one, every contribution helps sustain the programs that provide support and community to young adults facing cancer.

And now you have the chance to bring one of these powerful pieces into your own life because the auction is officially open!  

Even if you can’t attend our 10th Anniversary Gala, you can still revel in the excitement of our auction by participating virtually.  Place a bid on the artwork or silent auction items that speak to you – every bid helps ensure the next young adult who turns to us for support finds the community they need.

🖼️ Explore & Register: Register for the auction and browse the art gallery and auction virtually.

Register & Explore the Virtual Art Gallery!

🎉 Join The Excitement: The 10th Anniversary Auction will run from March 31st until 9:15pm PST on April 5th. Be sure to tune in for the final moments – watching live could be the key to securing your masterpiece!

Support Our Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year Candidates!

Support Our Young Adult Cancer
Advocate of the Year Candidates!

Cactus Cancer Society is in sheer awe of our exceptional 2025 Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year (YAAY) candidates!  These passionate, driven individuals are not only raising awareness, but making a tangible impact in the lives of young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. 

The YAAY campaign has grown into something far greater than a competition – it’s an impactful movement advocacy, connection, and community.  In just seven weeks, these incredible advocates have raised over $17,000 to ensure that no young adult has to face cancer alone. Along the way, they’ve shown unwavering dedication, teamwork, and resilience, proving that together, we can create meaningful change.

Now, they need your support to cross the finish line! With just one week left, every dollar you donate is a vote for the advocate you believe deserves the prestigious title of Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year. More importantly, your contributions directly fuel Cactus Cancer Society’s life-saving programs – proven to reduce loneliness, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress for young adults facing cancer. Who will take home the title of Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year? That’s up to you! Casting your vote today and help shape the future for young adults facing cancer!

SUPPORT A YAAY CANDIDATE NOW!

End of Fiscal Year 2024

Urgent Request from Cactus Cancer Society

You know better than anyone that our programs fill up quickly and our waitlists are growing.

Our Art Workshops are filling up faster than ever, sometimes within minutes. These workshops foster connection and relieve isolation – so well, in fact, that we need to offer additional programs to meet the growing number of young adults facing cancer who want to participate. 

The situation has become critical: We have a growing waitlist of young adults who are being turned away from the programs they want to join. We know you agree – placing young adults facing the darkest, loneliest days of their lives on the waitlist simply isn’t good enough.

In this pivotal time, we urgently need help funding additional Art Workshops. Before the close of our fiscal year on June 30th, we need to reach our $8,250 goal. It’s no small ask, but we need to provide 165 additional spaces to support young adults like Gabriella as they navigate cancer. 

 “Thank you so much for donating and making art night possible! It is such a welcome distraction during cancer treatment, greatly boosted my mood, gave me something to look forward to, and allowed me to connect with others going through cancer.” 

-Gabriella, Art Workshop Participant

By showing your support today, you’ll help expand our Art Workshops, clear the waitlists, and ensure young adults facing cancer get the support they are reaching for in the upcoming year. If you are able, please, make a contribution today and help us clear the waitlists!

DONATE