Our Mission & Vision
Cactus Cancer Society’s mission is to provide a safe space where young adults (ages 18-45) facing cancer can connect, cope, and thrive with one another in an online community through creativity and expression. Our vision is to end isolation among young adults facing cancer.
What We Do
Cactus Cancer Society is an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, ages 18-45. We encourage, empower, and connect a diverse and growing community of YAs around the world, 24/7.
Cactus Cancer Society is the leader in online wellness and survivorship support programs and resources. We provide a full spectrum of free, ground-breaking online wellness and support programs for young adults facing cancer, enabling them to have access to the age-appropriate psychosocial survivorship support they deserve through a medium that fits their lifestyle. All of our programs and resources are delivered either directly through our website or through Zoom and are uniquely accessible regardless of a patient’s specific diagnosis, geographic location, financial situation, or inpatient status.
Our Values
Courageous Creativity
We believe there are an infinite number of ways in which we can use creativity and expression as a means to make sense of our realities, to spark new thinking and problem-solving, and to reimagine what is possible for us and the future we want to live in. We also believe that creativity is an important method for courageously processing our experiences and learning to cope with the difficulties that life and cancer can bring.
Inclusive Community
We are a virtual community that doesn’t believe in borders or walls. We transcend boundaries and celebrate diversity. We believe young adults facing cancer should have access to support and resources no matter where they are or who they are. We embrace individual thought and believe connection and creation have the power to reset biases and catalyze change, allowing us to express our truths and promote belonging, understanding, and collaboration. You belong here.  You matter.
Resilience & Fortitude
Like the cactus in our name and logo suggests, we believe the young adults in our community are tough; they are strong, adaptive, and resilient. We empower them to thrive in the midst of challenging situations through finding their voice and telling their story.
Why "Cactus Cancer Society"
We chose the name Cactus Cancer Society because it reflects the spirit of the young adults we serve.
A cactus is strong. It’s resilient. It survives—thrives—in the harshest conditions, in places where not much else can. For many young adults facing cancer, the experience can feel a lot like that: isolated, overwhelming, and out of step with the world around them. But just like the cactus, they have an incredible ability to adapt, grow, and blossom, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
Our logo includes the image of a terrarium: a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures life and provides protection. That’s what we strive to be, a supportive, creative, and safe space where young adults facing cancer can breathe a little easier, connect with others who get it, and feel less alone.
We’re called a society because we’re a community built by and for young adults who are navigating life with cancer. No matter who you are or where you are, you belong here.
When we rebranded to Cactus Cancer Society, we didn’t do it lightly. We spent 9 months listening through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations, so we could create something that truly reflects the people we serve and the heart of what we do.
This name, this look, this community… it’s all inspired by you.