Caregiver Month: Cosurvivor? Honoring Those Who Keep Our Community Strong

November is National Family Caregiver Month, and we’re shining a light on the incredible people who carry the weight of young adult cancer right alongside their loved ones. You juggle appointments, meds, emotions, and everything in between and still show up with love. At Cactus Cancer Society, we see you. In this post, we’re diving deeper into what it really means to be a caregiver, the mental health toll it can take, and how to care for yourself while caring for someone else.

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Cody’s Corner: About Me & November Energy!

Come join Cody for his monthly blog here at Cactus Cancer Society! Cody has the nickname “Links” because he is so affectionately known in the YA Cancer community as having the links to all the great resources out there for YA’s! Grab a cup of joe and settle in to chat about all things YA cancer & resources.

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Turn No Into a YES!

Turn a “No” Into a “YES!” for Young Adults Facing Cancer

At Cactus Cancer Society, we believe every young adult facing cancer deserves to hear one simple, life-changing word: YES.

Yes—you belong here.
Yes—there are others who understand.
Yes—you are not alone.

But the truth is, our programs fill quickly, sometimes within minutes. That means young adults facing cancer are often left on the waitlist, hoping for connection and healing but instead hearing the word “no.”

We hate saying “no,” and with help from our community, we don’t have to.

That’s where The Greenhouse, our community of monthly supporters, comes in.

Members of The Greenhouse make it possible to welcome more young adults into our programs and ensure no one is left behind.

Just $21 per month creates space for one more young adult to find connection, healing, and hope. Each monthly gift turns a “no” into a YES, opening the door to life-changing support.

What a YES Looks Like

When Alex joined our Art Workshop, she was less than a year out of treatment.  It was the first time she had ever experienced support in a group with others facing cancer.

“If I had something like this when I was going through active treatment, it would have really helped,” she shared.  “Talking with people of a similar age group who had any sort of clue what ‘I’m so tired I can barely walk to the bathroom’ really meant – and how taking a nap wouldn’t help – made such a difference.”

The workshop gave Alex space to “channel some creative energy,” and she says, “I would absolutely suggest it to someone else now that I know about Cactus Cancer Society!”

Alex’s story is just one example of what your YES can make possible.

Say YES Today

Every monthly donor who joins The Greenhouse helps us turn “no” into YES for young adults who are waiting right now.

Together, we can make sure no young adult hears “no” when what they need most is connection, healing, and hope.

Resilient looks good on you…

Cactus Cancer Society has been chosen as a beneficiary for Little Words Project ’s Big Impact Initiative, and the result is pure magic.  Our exclusive “resilient” bracelet is more than just an accessory; it’s a reminder of the strength that defines the young adult cancer community.

And the best part?  Through September 30th, every “resilient” bracelet you buy sends 25% of proceeds directly back to Cactus Cancer Society, fueling free, life-changing programs for young adults facing cancer.

That means:
💚 Your bracelet helps provide creative coping workshops for young adult cancer survivors.
💚 Your bracelet helps keep our community connected through virtual programs.
💚 Your bracelet helps young adults know they’re not alone in their cancer experience.

This isn’t just a bracelet. It’s a statement of solidarity, a reminder of strength, and a way to ensure young adults have the support they deserve.

Whether you’re stocking up for the holidays, gifting your cancer bestie, or treating yourself to a daily reminder of resilience, this bracelet makes an impact far beyond your wrist.

But don’t wait—the “resilient” bracelet is only available through September 30th, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

SHOP THE RESILIENT BRACELET NOW!

Thank you for choosing to make an impact with your purchase. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community. 

💚 The Cactus Cancer Society Team

Register Now for YA Cancer Gabfest 2025!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Each one of us has an origin story.  Every sidekick plays a vital role.  And every great mission is achieved, not by going it alone, but by a team.  That’s why this year’s YA Cancer Gabfest is all about Joining Forces: Survivors, Sidekicks, & Supporters – Navigating Young Adult Cancer Together.

Beginning on December 8th, the YA cancer community is uniting!  We’re bringing together young adult cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and the professionals who support them for five epic days of connection, conversation, and real-world survivorship wisdom.

Whether you’re facing a brand-new diagnosis, finding your way after treatment, showing up day after day for someone you love, or working on the frontlines of YA cancer care, this is your call to assemble!  You can expect interactive sessions, crash courses, and powerful stories from people who truly get it, all designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of cancer together.  Think of it as your ultimate cancer care team-up.

YA Cancer Gabfest is open to young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers along with the researchers, healthcare providers, and nonprofit professionals who support them. If young adult cancer touches your life in any way, this event is for you!

Registration is now open, so mark your calendar and register today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER