For 10 years, Cactus Cancer Society has sought to end isolation among young adults facing cancer. Â The Young Adult Cancer Advocate of The Year (YAAY) is a philanthropic competition that highlights the most engaged and motivated individuals in our community who are blazing a path to a better future for young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
The nomination period is now open and we’ll be choosing the most impactful nominees to compete for the title of Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year.  Candidates will compete in a series of engaging fundraising challenges in support of Cactus Cancer Society’s programs. Our community will vote for the most deserving advocate with their dollars.
The individual who has raised the most funds during the 8-week competition is awarded the prestigious Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year award. The competition will culminate at our 10th Anniversary Gala in Berkeley, California on April 5, 2025, where one candidate will be presented with the YAAY award.
Do you know the next Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year?
Who should be nominated for the Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year award?
This inaugural award is open to ANY person advocating for the young adult cancer community. The Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year may be a survivor, caregiver, or trusted ally who stands out as a leader, visionary, and changemaker. Top candidates are individuals who use their voice, platform, and creativity to ensure all young adults facing cancer feel seen, heard, and understood.Â
Why participate in the YAAY competition?
Cactus Cancer Society’s programs bring young adults facing cancer together during one of the most isolating times in their lives. Whether they’re painting, building, journaling, or sewing, they find themselves in a safe space with others who truly understand what they’re going through. Between doodles and DIYs, we share vulnerable stories, belly laughs, and tears with people we met minutes ago, yet who completely understand what we’ve been through.Â
Participation in the YAAY competition supports Cactus Cancer Society’s programs that are proven to reduce loneliness, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among young adults facing cancer. These programs are always free of cost for these young adults to join, and that is made possible through the support of our community and amazing advocates. Those who participate in the Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year competition are truly working to ensure that nobody faces young adult cancer alone.
Do you know an advocate?
Do you know an advocate who uses their voice, platform, and creativity to ensure positive change for the young adult cancer community?
Nominate them to become a Young Adult Cancer Advocate of the Year candidate!