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.

Our Anthology: Perfect for Everyone On Your Shopping List!

We’ve got a holiday present coming that has been a decade in the making – and it will be one for everyone on your list!

In celebration of our tenth birthday next Spring, we are publishing a first-of-its-kind, long-awaited Cactus Cancer Society Anthology! The anthology will boast photos of beautiful visual art pieces, and powerfully written poems and short stories, all created by our young adult cancer community members. You will not want to miss the chance to own this limited-edition art collection and piece of Cactus Cancer Society history!

Here’s how you can reserve a copy for everyone on your list from this limited edition run:

  1. You can snag your anthology copy AND add a line of dedication to the anthology itself! For $45, you can contribute your own message. Take a line to wish your gift recipient a wonderful New Year! Thank your oncologist in writing! Thank your great uncle Pat for gifting you an art set when you were nine!
  2. You can also pre-order your copy of the anthology as-is. For $30, you can tell them their book is on the way once it’s hot off the presses.
  3. Pocket feeling a bit light from holiday shopping? You can grab your anthology for $40 after the pre-sale closes on February 15, 2025.

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is a gift to look forward to, and that’s just what this anthology will be. Be the hero of this holiday season and the spring when the anthology is in their hands.

Ask a Cactus: Clinical Trials and Patient Experience

This is our final video in our Ask a Cactus Series on Clinical Trials! Hear from Laura, a Nurse Practioner at UCSF who answers all sorts of questions about clinical trials! In this video, she’ll talk about the healthcare team taking care of you during a clinical trial and where to ask questions, the ethics governing clinical trials, the rights you have as a participant, how much is might cost, and more.

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Christina’s Corner: June 2024

June is quite possibly one of my favorite months. There’s Pride, a riotous celebration of love and being who you are. The sunlight lasts until 8:30 at night, and it makes time for so much more time outside – and the garden has surprises yet to be told. Then, the temperatures in my state aren’t yet stiflingly hot, and you can sit outside at night around a campfire and still need a light layer. I will entertain other seasons, but summer will always have my heart. 

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Christina’s Corner: May 2024

I turned 35 this past weekend. I have been reflecting on a lot of things, but primarily what a privilege it is to be getting older. There are so many people I care about who are no longer here, and the aches and pains that come with another year feel trivial in comparison. I expected to be in a much different place in my life by the time I was 35, but I truly have not been happier than I feel right now. Not because my life is perfect, but because I know myself better than ever before, and I can confidently say I am very clear about what is worth worrying about and what is not.

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