Keep Going Anyway

Is it just me, or does the world feel heavy lately?

The news scrolls by in an endless stream of uncertainty–conflict, loss, change.  In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel unmoored, like we’re all holding our breath, waiting for the next thing to shift beneath our feet.

But in the midst of uncertainty, here’s one thing I’ve come to believe deeply and personally: art always prevails.

Art doesn’t just survive during hardship–it rises up to meet it.  It helps us give shape to the things we don’t yet have words for.  It allows us to express our pain, to explore our joy, to reconnect with who we are.  Picasso painted Guernica in the wake of the devastation and brutality of war.  Maya Angelou wrote Still I Rise from the depths of oppression.  Time and time again, creativity becomes our compass when we feel lost and uncertain.

My craft of choice is embroidery.  I find the repetitive action of making little stitches to be meditative and the end result to be satisfying.  But with every project I’ve ever worked on, there’s an inevitable moment in the middle when I absolutely HATE it.  I think, “Oh no!  This looks horrible!  What have I done?”

It’s at this point that I have a choice to make – Do I quit?  Do I pull out all the stitches and start over?  Do I throw the whole thing away?

Or…

Do I keep going anyway?  Do I decide to embrace the imperfection and press on in hope that what I’m doing will work itself out in the end?

I always do, and I always love the end result.

As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand what it’s like to sit in uncertainty – to feel overwhelmed, afraid, and disconnected from my own story.  I also know how powerful it is to create something in the midst of that.  The creative process itself is steeped in uncertainty.  Mistakes become part of the masterpiece.  We hit roadblocks and invent new ways forward.  We often don’t know what we’re creating until it’s done–and somehow, that’s where the magic lies.

Engaging in creativity is willingly choosing to embrace uncertainty.  When we talk about resilience, we often imagine it as pushing through the pain, standing tall, staying strong.  But sometimes, resilience looks like something much quieter.

Sometimes it looks like picking up a paintbrush when everything feels uncertain.

Or writing a poem when you don’t know what to say.

Or showing up to a virtual workshop just to know you’re not alone.

Each time I pick up my needle and thread and decide to simply keep going despite the uncertainty of what the end result will be, I am learning to become more resilient.  Engaging in the creative process teaches us to keep moving forward even in the midst of uncertainty – whether it’s uncertainty about what a mess of fabric and threads will eventually become, or whether it’s uncertainty about something much bigger, like the results of a PET scan, whether or not my treatment will work, if my fertility has been impacted, or if my cancer might return. 

That’s what we see in our creative programs at Cactus Cancer Society.  Young adults facing cancer step into the unknown every single day in our workshops.  And when they make art, they’re not just expressing themselves.  They’re learning to befriend uncertainty, to create in spite of fear, to keep going, one messy brush stroke at a time.

Sure, learning a new form of art is fun!

Sure, it’s exciting to get a box of art supplies in the mail!

Sure, completing a project provides a sense of accomplishment!

But it’s about so much more than that.  Our programs aren’t just “craft nights.”  They’re spaces of transformation, connection, and healing.

In the midst of something as earth-shattering as a cancer diagnosis, the value of resilience cannot be understated.

Our fiscal year is coming to a close on June 30th and we are aiming to raise $5,000 to support our creative programming.  This amount will allow us to provide art supply boxes to an additional 100 young adult cancer patients and survivors in the next fiscal year.

So let me ask you a simple question – will you join us?

Will you help us continue this important work of strengthening resilience in each young adult facing cancer who joins our creative programs?

Happy, Prickly Pride!

June is officially here, and that means that at Cactus Cancer Society, we are celebrating Pride Month in all of your (and our) favorite ways!

But first, we want to remind you that at Cactus Cancer Society, one of our core values is celebrating our inclusive community. Since we were established as a non-profit ten years ago, YOU have remained at the heart of what we do and why we do it. Our virtual community is comprised of young adults from all corners of the world, and we not only welcome you regardless of race, religion, gender, gender expression, ancestry, disability, marital status, and sexual orientation: we celebrate you. Our community is prickly, resilient, and fabulous!

What can you expect around here that’s different during Pride?

  • We have our annual Pride Art Workshop for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. This year, we’ll be making vibrant, colorful decoupage animals… and program participants might find a few fun additions to their supply package. (Space is limited – sign up today!)
  • This month, the prompts in our drop-in Coffee and Oodles program will also be Pride-themed. Each week’s prompt will celebrate the revolutionary contributions of LGBTQIA+ folx and reflect on the themes of inclusivity, breaking boundaries, and authenticity.
  • You’ll also see some of our Pride designs in our Threadless shop: be sure to grab your limited edition merch now!

While official Pride celebrations may only last the month of June, know that we are here for you all year-round. To find out the latest on our programs and events, visit our website or sign-up for our email list here!

Happy Pride, Prickly fam! We love you.

We’re Hiring!

Did you know that Cactus Cancer Society offers over 20 programs helping reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and loneliness, and serving thousands of young adults facing cancer every year?  And now we’re looking for someone to join our programs team!

Interested in joining our team and positively impacting young adults facing cancer? Have some program planning experience? We’re hiring a Senior Program Coordinator and we’d love for you to apply!

We’re looking for someone with a passion for program planning who wants to play a central role in bringing life-changing creative coping programs to the young adult cancer community. We are a fully remote team and are excited to bring someone new on board!

Is it you?  Click below to learn more and apply today!

Empowering the AYA Osteosarcoma Community

At Cactus Cancer Society, we know that every young adult facing cancer has a story that matters. That’s why we’re excited to share an opportunity to make a direct impact on research through Count Me In’s Osteosarcoma Project.

Osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive bone cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Despite medical advancements, progress in osteosarcoma research has been slow, partly due to the limited availability of patient data. Count Me In is working to change that by empowering patients and families to contribute their experiences, medical information, and samples to drive scientific discoveries.

By participating in the Osteosarcoma Project, individuals can help researchers gain a deeper understanding of osteosarcoma, uncover potential new treatments, and work toward better outcomes for the AYA community. Every contribution, whether it’s sharing medical history, providing a saliva sample, or answering short surveys, helps build a resource that fuels critical discoveries.

How to Get Involved:

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, joining the OS Project is simple and completely online:

  • Sign up online – Provide basic information and consent to participate at OSProject.org.
  • Share your story – Help researchers understand the patient experience by answering short surveys.
  • Submit medical records – With your permission, the Count Me In team will collect relevant medical history and treatment details.
  • Provide a saliva sample – A free kit is mailed to you, and your sample helps researchers study the genetics of OS.
  • Optional: Share tumor or blood samples – If available, existing samples from previous procedures can contribute valuable data.

At Cactus Cancer Society, we believe in the power of community and the strength of young adults impacted by cancer. By joining the OS Project, you’re not just sharing your story, you’re helping shape the future of osteosarcoma research.

Learn more about Count Me In and sign up today at OSProject.org.

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!

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.

🎉 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!

Fresh Ink: Fifteen Minutes

We are proud to share the work of our Cactus Cancer Society community writers here on our blog, including this piece, which is part of a series entitled Fresh Ink.

We value the voices of our community members and would love to share your words. If you would like to contribute to our blog here at Cactus Cancer Society, please email christina@cactuscancer.org. 


“Fifteen Minutes,” by Anjali Kapoor-Davis

Soak for fifteen minutes in Epsom salt
to heal the sore. How could anything heal
in fifteen minutes? Fifteen minutes is

an eternity to soak in a tub of warm water
with no suds to conceal the flesh. Eyes
struggle to find a place that the mind does not

criticize. Unshaven legs bob up and down
slowly remembering the motion of a swim
stroke. There is not enough room here for laps.

Adjusting each cheek to ensure a seal does
not occur in the fiberglass cubicle. Mango
shaped breasts lay lazily on the curves of

the waist. The firmness has given way
to squish. Will fifteen minutes be enough
time to forgive myself? Self-loathing comes

easier to me. Is it long enough to heal the soul?
Fifteen minutes is not enough time for a doctors
appointment when the diagnosis is cancer.

Calendars fill with doctors’ appointments
instead of lunches with friends, kids play dates,
and vacations. In fifteen minutes, life changes.

Fifteen minutes, he made me wait again in the
hot car. I should be happy that he is making friends
and not clinging to my side but I miss those days

when it was just us. His childhood seems to have
flown by in fifteen minutes. I would love fifteen more
minutes to play on swings, cuddle on the couch,

or make mud pies in the yard once again. I start
the music on my phone nestled in a basket of rolled
up washcloths ready for scrubbing. I need a

distraction for these fifteen minutes,
I can’t bring myself to just exist.
I am more than I can handle for fifteen minutes.

Anjali Kapoor-Davis is a playwright, poet, and flash fiction writer. She writes about the challenges she has faced as a thyroid cancer patient and the simple joys of life. Anjali loves spending time with her family, baking, and advocating for thyroid cancer patients. 

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!