Ever had a question about relationships or sex that you just can’t ask your oncology care provider? Ever felt too shy to ask a nurse or doctor a question, but really needed the answer? Now you can ask those questions and get answers from Dr. Anne Katz, the Awkward Auntie!
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Ever had a question about relationships or sex that you just can’t ask your oncology care provider? Ever felt too shy to ask a nurse or doctor a question, but really needed the answer? Now you can ask those questions and get answers from Dr. Anne Katz, the Awkward Auntie!
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Grab a cup of coffee and sit down for 10 questions with the newest team member of Cactus Cancer Society, Lauren Morales LCSW. Think of it like a coffee chat where you get to peek into some of her favorites, her quirks, and the best advice she’s received. Here are ten questions, ten honest answers — equal parts lighthearted and thoughtful.
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We’re hosting a fun Ghostie Bestie workshop – and you’re invited! You’re also welcome to wear a costume to the workshop for some added fun. Not sure what to dress as? Read on for more cancer patient-friendly options!
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We love books here at Cactus Cancer Society. We ran a traditional “read and let’s discuss” Book Club for many years before it morphed into our current Creative Arts Book Club. There’s something about fall that suggests we grab a warm beverage, a book, and maybe even a blanket. If you’re feeling the same inclination, and in honor of our Miniature Book Club Art Workshop next month, here are some suggested reads to add to your To Be Read (aka your TBR) pile or your next library stop!
Previous Cactus Cancer Society Book Club Picks
You can check out the insights and dialogue from our community by clicking on the Book Club link or by searching the title on our Young Adult Voices Blog!
Planet Cancer by Heidi Schultz Adams & Christopher Schultz
Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in Your 20s and 30s by Kairol Rosenthal
Rising Strong by Brene Brown
I’m Just A Person by Tig Notaro
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Mom’s Marijuana by Dan Shapiro
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved by Kate Bowler
Brave Enough by Kati Gardner
Finding Balance by Kati Gardner
The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Martian by Andy Weir
The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Cactus Cancer Society Team Favorites
We asked our team for their favorite fall reads, which we loosely interpreted as anything that falls under the category of cozy, academia-focused, or spooky. We also asked for a favorite cancer read, which could be anything from our Cactus Cancer Society book club list or something else entirely. Trust us – the takes got hot and the conversation was lively!
Mallory
Favorite Fall Read: Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman
Favorite Cancer Read: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Aerial
Favorite Fall Read: Failure is Not an Option by Gene Kranz
Favorite Cancer Read: It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort
Lauren C.
Favorite Fall Read: The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Favorite Cancer Read: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Lauren M.
Favorite Fall Read: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Favorite Cancer Read: Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
Christina
Favorite Fall Read: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Favorite Cancer Read: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Stephen:
Favorite Fall Read: On Writing by Stephen King
Favorite Cancer Read: Mom’s Marijuana by Dan Shapiro
Happy reading!
We’re so excited to introduce our newest team member, Lauren Morales, LCSW! She is our Senior Program Coordinator, meaning you’ll be seeing her in tons of programs over the next few months, although you may have already met her as a community member. Read on to learn more about what brought Lauren to the Cactus Cancer Society Team. We know you’ll be joining her fan club, just like we have!
Hi community!
I’m so excited to be joining the Cactus Cancer team and to be a part of the mission to provide a safe space for YA’s navigating cancer. I know firsthand the importance of connecting with others during cancer because I’ve lived it!
At the age of 30, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and full-throttled into the world of oncology. At the time, I was living in North Carolina, having just moved there a few months prior due to my husband’s military orders. My husband is an active duty Marine and was deployed in another country when I was diagnosed. I struggled to navigate my diagnosis, not only because it was cancer, but I felt really alone in a new place with no local support.
Enter the AYA online community! I stumbled into the AYA space from Instagram and started to attend online programs once my treatment had begun. Finding other people who were my age learning to deal with cancer meant the world to me and reduced my isolation by tenfold, even once my husband was able to return home. In the online AYA space, I didn’t just find community, I made lifelong friends and started to rebuild hope in the process.
Once I reached NED, I felt called to take my experience into my professional work. I decided to further pivot my work in clinical social work to the oncology and chronic illness spaces. My background in social work, trauma therapy, and medical systems navigation has helped me to better articulate how important advocacy, creative coping, and safe community spaces are in creating fertile ground for healing, resilience, and empowerment. I am so excited to bring both my lived experience and my professional background into this role to help empower all of you in your healing journey, however that may look!
When I am not working, you can find me cuddled up with my two dogs, Rocky and Luna, who are the absolute apples of my eye. I love a good fantasy book, have some strong opinions on coffee consumption, and am a West Coast girlie at heart. I wouldn’t call myself an artist, but I love to be creative and have so much fun doing anything with acrylics or DIY holiday decor. I also really enjoy writing, specifically poetry, and all things Mexican food and sushi.
I can’t wait to jump in with all of you and want to thank you in advance for the honor of holding space with you while you navigate life with cancer, as a caregiver, or as a provider in oncology.
With gratitude,
Lauren Morales, LCSW
Some of our most popular programs here at Cactus Cancer Society are our Builders Workshops. They’re a space where builders can get together to construct LEGO kits: with our signature community vibes, conversation where anything goes, and everything you need sent to your door. We’ve got another one coming up, and this one is just for guys!
This build puts YOU in the driver’s seat. Your program, your conversation, your way!
If you are a guy ages 18-45 and like LEGOs, we want YOU to join us for a special two-week build on Tuesday, September 9th and Tuesday, September 16th. From 4:30-6:30pm PT / 5:30-7:30 CT / 7:30-9:30pm ET, you’ll grab your kit and assemble LEGO Set #40819 – a racing driver minifigure. By the time you cross the finish line with the checkered flag waiting, you’ll have an awesome build to proudly display.
All the details are below, but don’t wait – spots are limited!
WHO: Young adult guys facing cancer (that’s you, champ!)
WHAT: Guys Only Builder’s Workshop – LEGO Set #40819, good convo, and chill vibes
WHEN: Tuesdays, September 9th & 16th; 4:30–6:30pm PT / 6:30–8:30pm CT / 7:30–9:30pm ET
WHERE: Online via Zoom – we’ll send you the link and the LEGOs!
Sound good? Learn more and sign up here!
We’re in the final stretch of our program break here at Cactus Cancer Society. We’ve been polishing up our plans for the next fiscal year, and we have a few exciting changes to share with you.
Drop-in program favorite, Coffee and Oodles, is back beginning in August – but change your calendars! Our *NEW* time for this program is 11am PT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.
But that’s not all! We’re also pivoting to Zoom as our host for our creativity.
Here’s what’s not changing: you’ll be getting the same interesting and intriguing prompt, time to create a doodle or written piece, and ample time to share with others and offer positive feedback on their own work.
Want to find out more information and sign up for the Zoom link? Head here!
Some things have inevitably boomeranged back: 90s trends, 80s pop sounds.
But one exciting return is one you may not have anticipated: 30 Minute Tune Up with Jean Rowe is back!
Join us on Thursdays beginning August 14 at 9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET to recapture the magic of our Fairy Godmother and National Treasure’s warmth, practical advice, and the cozy drop-in of community. If you’re new to this program, you’re in for a treat! You’ll start with a prompt from Jean, who is also a Certified Journal Therapist. You will have a set amount of time to journal your response. Then, once the time is up, you will have the opportunity to share your work with the group. Jean is known for her practical, loving advice that guides us towards better self-care – and we guarantee the community will leave you feeling whole, energized, and supported.
Want to make sure you don’t miss any of the excitement? Head here for more information and to sign up to get the link!
Are you a young adult cancer patient, survivor, or caregiver who loves Cactus Cancer Society programs? Do you want to shape the future of the organization by nominating Young Adult Advocates of the Year (YAAY) candidates, share feedback with Cactus Cancer Society leadership, and stay engaged in our amazing community? We’ve got an opportunity for you: apply to join our Rooted Voices Advisory Board!
If you:
✔ Are between the ages of 18 and 45
✔ Were diagnosed with young adult cancer or are a caregiver/co-survivor for a young adult with cancer
✔ Have attended a Cactus Cancer Society program in the last 12 months (not including YA Cancer Gabfest)
YOU are eligible to apply!
Here’s how to submit your application:
Don’t delay! The deadline to apply is July 29th.
We can’t wait to read your applications!
