“How are you?”
It’s a simple question, but when cancer is part of your story, the answer can be anything but simple.
Maybe the version of you that others see is fine, capable, funny, positive, productive, grateful, strong, or completely unbothered. Beneath that surface, there may also be fear, anger, exhaustion, grief, uncertainty, relief, joy, or several conflicting emotions all at once. Sometimes what’s happening on the inside looks nothing like what the rest of the world gets to see.
In this October edition of The Inner Canvas: Behind the Mask, we’re getting curious about those different layers of ourselves: what we show, what we protect, what we keep tucked away, and what we wish other people understood without us having to explain it.
Together, we’ll explore the Behind the Mask theme through a creative mix of guided grounding and visualization, journaling and reflection, and art response activities inspired by different forms of creative expression. You might find yourself putting words to something you haven’t quite known how to say, responding to an idea through color or doodles, or discovering that someone else’s creativity sparks something completely unexpected in your own. Optional sharing and conversation will be woven throughout.
It’s all designed so you can engage at your own pace and in the way that feels right that day. Led each month by Lauren Morales, LCSW, this 90-minute special drop-in explores a new theme designed to help young adults facing cancer tap into meaning, expression, grounding, resilience, and a little bit of magic. Grab whatever supplies you love or whatever is in reach, follow the guided prompts, and let your creativity do the talking.
No art experience is required. Truly. Your response can be thoughtful, messy, funny, colorful, weird, deeply meaningful, or three words and a doodle in the corner of the page. There is no right way to show up. There is only your way.
Who: Young adult patients, thrivers, caregivers, co-survivors, and survivors ages 18–45 impacted by YA cancer
What: A 90-minute guided creative workshop where you’ll engage in journaling prompts, therapeutic art activities, and optional sharing.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 3:00–4:30 PM PT / 4:00-5:30 MT/ 5:00–6:30 PM CT / 6:00–7:30 PM ET
Where: Virtual on Zoom! Register once for The Inner Canvas, then attend any of the sessions that fit your schedule.