For nine weeks, an inspiring group of passionate changemakers came together for Cactus Cancer Society’s 2026 Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year (YAAY) competition. Throughout the campaign, our YAAY candidates collectively raised more than $33,000 in support of our mission to end isolation among young adults facing cancer.
Their creativity, advocacy, and dedication made an incredible impact on the young adult cancer community, helping ensure that more young adults facing cancer can access connection, support, and creative programming during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
At the conclusion of this year’s competition, we were honored to celebrate the candidate who earned the title of our 2026 Young Adult Advocate of the Year:
For the second year in a row, Cody’s passion, determination, and commitment to the young adult cancer community inspired so many people to show up in support of this mission. We are deeply grateful for the energy and heart he brought to this campaign.
A Look Back at YAAY 2025
The inaugural YAAY competition in 2025 brought together an incredible group of advocates who collectively raised more than $38,000 for young adults facing cancer. After an exciting final stretch in which the top candidates continued trading places on the leaderboard, Cactus Cancer Society ultimately named Ashley and Cody as co-winners of the very first Young Adult Advocate of the Year Award.
Their extraordinary dedication and advocacy helped set the tone for what YAAY has become: a passionate community of advocates using creativity, storytelling, and fundraising to make a meaningful difference for young adults facing cancer.
To Cody — and to every one of our incredible YAAY candidates — THANK YOU! Your advocacy, fundraising, and willingness to use your voices for this community truly matter. We are endlessly grateful for the impact you’ve made.