Skip to content

Young Adult Cancer Resources

At Cactus Cancer Society, we believe healing can be creative, communal, and uniquely your own. Cancer doesn’t just interrupt life; it reshapes routines, identity, and day-to-day flow. You don’t have to face it alone. Below is a directory of programs, nonprofits, and communities that support adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer. Bookmark this page and return whenever you need a little extra support.

  • Athletes 4 Cancer – Outdoor surf and adventure camps for young people impacted by cancer. Free | In-person

  • Base2Summit (Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation) – Free weeklong Michigan adventure retreat. Free | In-person

  • Camp Mak-A-Dream – Montana-based free camp for AYAs. Free | In-person

  • Epic Experience – Adventure camps in the Rockies + virtual fitness programs. Free | In-person/Virtual

  • First Descents – Outdoor adventure programs for young adults impacted by cancer or serious illness. Free | In-person

  • Project Koru – Surf + outdoor healing programs for survivors and caregivers. Free | In-person

  • Reel Recovery – Fly-fishing retreats for men living with cancer. Free | In-person

  • Send It Foundation – Surf, ski, and bike adventures for survivors. Free | In-person

  • True North Treks – Backpacking, canoeing, and mindfulness-based wilderness retreats. Free | In-person

  • Ulman Foundation – Young adult-focused retreats, camps, and community-based experiences. Free | In-person/Virtual

  • Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) – AYA retreats, camps, and community-based adventure experiences in Canada. Free | In-person

  • Abridge – Record and transcribe medical visits, generate shareable visit notes. Free/Paid | Digital

  • CancerBuddy – Peer support app connecting patients, survivors, and caregivers. Free | Digital

  • Caregather – Online hub to coordinate meals, care tasks, and updates. Free | Digital

  • CaringBridge – Free private health journal to share updates with loved ones. Free | Digital

  • ConnectMyVariant – Genetic family connection and hereditary cancer tools. Free | Digital

  • Give InKind – Wishlists, fundraising, and gift coordination platform. Free/Low cost | Digital

  • Jasper – Organize schedules, needs, and care tasks in one place. Free/Paid | Digital

  • Lotsa Helping Hands – Coordinate meals, volunteers, and caregiving tasks. Free | Digital

  • Meal Train – Meal scheduling and support coordination for patients and families. Free/Low cost | Digital

  • MyLifeLine (Cancer Support Community) – Private support websites and care coordination tools for people impacted by cancer. Free | Digital

  • PatientsLikeMe – Share health experiences and track data with others living with similar conditions. Free | Digital

  • We Got This – Create a gift registry specifically for cancer patients. Free | Digital

  • CancerCare: Caregiver Support – Free professional counseling, support groups, and practical assistance for cancer caregivers. Call 800-813-HOPE (4673). Free | Virtual

  • Caregiver Action Network – National Help Desk staffed by caregiving experts who assist with navigating complex caregiving challenges. Call 855-227-3640. Free | Virtual

  • Family Caregiver Alliance – Education, advocacy, and support groups focused on caregiver resilience and well-being. Free | Virtual

  • The Dinner Party: Caregivers Table – Peer community for 20- and 30-somethings navigating grief and caregiving. Free | Virtual

  • The Negative Space – Coaching, support groups, podcasts, and resources reshaping how caregivers are supported and seen. Free/Paid | Virtual

  • Well Spouse Association – Peer-led support groups for partners and spouses of individuals living with chronic illness or cancer. Free | Virtual

  • Hearts Need Art – Art, music, and writing for healing. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Hello Gorgeous! – Complimentary makeovers and makeup education for women battling cancer. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Lipstick Angels – Beauty and wellness services at hospital bedside or virtual sessions for cancer patients. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Living Beauty Cancer Foundation – Supports holistic wellness for women with cancer, with a focus on beauty and self-care. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Look Good Feel Better – Beauty and confidence workshops for people undergoing cancer treatment. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Onco-Ballet Foundation – Ballet-based movement programs supporting body confidence and strength after cancer. Low cost | In-person

  • Smith Center for Healing and the Arts – Mind-body programs and creative expression experiences for people impacted by cancer. Low cost | Virtual/In-person

  • Survivor Friendly Foundation – Provides free beauty-essential bags and builds community around beauty and support. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Yoga4Cancer (y4c) – Evidence-based oncology yoga tailored for people impacted by cancer. Sliding | Virtual/In-person

Crisis & Immediate Emotional Support

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, right now.

General Mental Health Resources

Finding a therapist or mental health space that feels like a fit can make all the difference.

  • Asian Mental Health Collective | U.S. & Canada | Virtual directory
    Directory of Asian therapists plus community initiatives to reduce stigma.

  • Give An Hour | U.S. | Virtual
    Free counseling and peer groups for veterans, survivors of violence, and individuals facing rare illnesses.

  • HeadsUpGuys | Global | Virtual
    Men’s mental health resource hub with self-check tools, recovery stories, and therapist directory.

  • Inclusive Therapists | U.S. | Virtual directory
    Centers BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities with affirming, culturally responsive providers.

  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) | U.S. | Virtual & local chapters
    Education, helplines, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions.

  • Neurodivergent Therapists Collective | U.S. & International | Virtual directory
    Directory centering therapists who identify as neurodivergent and/or specialize in neurodiversity-affirming care.

  • Open Path Collective | U.S. | Virtual & in-person
    Connects people with therapists offering sliding scale rates, often $40–$70 per session.

  • Psychology Today Therapist Finder | U.S. & International | Virtual directory
    Search licensed therapists by location, insurance, specialty, and more.

  • SAMHIN (South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network) | U.S. | Virtual directory
    Directory of South Asian mental health clinicians searchable by language, location, and specialty.

  • StrongHearts Native Helpline | 1-844-7NATIVE | U.S. | 24/7
    Culturally appropriate emotional support for Native Americans experiencing crisis, domestic violence, or mental health challenges.

  • Therapy for Black Girls | U.S. | Virtual directory
    Online space and therapist directory supporting the mental wellness of Black women and girls.

  • Therapy for Latinx | U.S. | Virtual directory
    Connects Latinx individuals with culturally responsive therapists.

  • TherapyDen | U.S. | Virtual directory
    Inclusive therapist directory with filters for race, gender identity, sexuality, faith, and therapy approaches.

AYA Community & Connection

  • 3 Little Birds 4 Life – Wishes and support for young adults with cancer. Free | In-person/Regional

  • Amy’s Rays of Sunshine – Cards and encouragement for young adults, often transplant-focused. Free | Virtual

  • Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) – Community for young women diagnosed under 45 with breast cancer. Free | Virtual/Regional

  • Bright Spot Network – Support for survivors who are parents. Free | Virtual

  • Dear Jack Foundation – Retreats, wish-granting, and community programs for young adult survivors. Free | In-person/Virtual

  • Stupid Cancer – AYA community with summits, meetups, and digital programs. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • The Boon Project – Charleston-based AYA connection and wellness hub. Free | Virtual/Regional

  • Ulman Foundation – Navigation, retreats, and support programs specifically for young adults impacted by cancer. Free | In-person/Virtual

  • Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) – Retreats, camps, and national AYA community spaces in Canada. Free | In-person/Virtual

  • Young Adult Survivors United – Peer wellness programs for YA survivors and co-survivors. Free | Virtual/Local

Peer Matching & Mentorship

  • Cancer Hope Network – 1:1 peer support for patients, survivors, and caregivers across diagnoses. Free | Virtual

  • Connecting Champions – Matches AYAs with mentors in dream careers. Free | Virtual

  • Imerman Angels – 1:1 peer mentorship for patients and caregivers. Free | Virtual

Creative, Storytelling & Expression

  • Elephants & Tea – Young adult cancer magazine and creative storytelling platform. Free | Digital/Events

  • Humor Beats Cancer – Storytelling and humor-based community for those impacted by cancer. Free | Virtual

  • Kits to Heart – Care kits and art therapy experiences for survivors. Free | Virtual/In-person

  • Scar Stories – Creative storytelling and empowerment community for AYAs. Free | Digital/Events

Caregiver, Co-Survivor & Family Support

Sometimes coping with cancer includes struggles with substances. You are not alone, and help is here without judgment.

  • HAMS (Harm Reduction for Alcohol) | Global | Virtual
    Resources for people seeking safer drinking, moderation, or abstinence using harm-reduction strategies.

  • Moderation Management | U.S. & International | Virtual & peer-led groups
    Non-abstinence peer program offering tools for people seeking to reduce or moderate drinking.

  • Partnership to End Addiction | U.S. | Virtual
    Resources and family support for young people and loved ones navigating substance use.

  • SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | U.S. | 24/7
    Confidential treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish.

  • SMART Recovery | U.S. & International | Virtual & in-person
    Science-based recovery program with peer groups and CBT-style self-management tools.

These are online or remote support groups. This list does not catalog in-person groups. You can often ask your oncology social worker, medical team, or local cancer center about local in-person support options.

Have a resource you think we should add? Reach out to us at info@cactuscancer.org