Cactus Cancer Society: Creative Support for Young Adults Facing Cancer

Best For

Young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers who want connection through creative, expressive, and community-based programs rather than a traditional support-group format.

What They Do

Cactus Cancer Society creates community for young adults facing cancer through art, writing, conversation, education, and shared experience. Its programs are designed to give younger patients, survivors, and caregivers a place to connect with people who understand cancer without making every interaction feel like a formal support group.

How They Can Help

·       Virtual art workshops and creative programs.

·       Guided journaling and expressive-writing programs.

·       Discussion groups and community gatherings for young adults affected by cancer.

·       Programs addressing relationships, sexuality, survivorship, and other real-life AYA issues.

·       Book clubs, creative drop-ins, and other low-pressure ways to connect.

·       Educational programs and survivorship content for both community members and professionals.

Who It’s For

Cactus Cancer Society’s current community programs are designed for young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, generally ages 18 to 45. Individual programs may have their own participation requirements.

Why This Resource Matters

Not everyone wants a support group, and not everyone processes cancer by sitting in a circle talking directly about cancer. Cactus Cancer Society creates other doors into community: making something, writing something, laughing, learning, or simply spending time with people who understand the landscape.

How to Get Help

Visit the Upcoming Programs section to see what is currently open for registration. Most offerings clearly identify who the program is for, when it meets, and whether materials or preparation are required.

Matthew Zachary

Matthew Zachary has spent three decades fighting to make the American healthcare system less cruel, organizing millions through advocacy and media. A former concert pianist whose life was turned upside down by brain cancer at just 21, he founded Stupid Cancer, the largest nonprofit for young adults with cancer. He also launched The Stupid Cancer Show, widely regarded as the first healthcare podcast, which later evolved into the award-winning Out of Patients. He produced Cancer Mavericks, a documentary series about the rebel patients who changed modern oncology. He is CEO and Co-Founder of We The Patients, a national movement organizing patients into collective civic power, and the author of We the Patients: Understanding, Navigating, and Surviving America’s Healthcare Nightmare (Wiley, May 2026) with Jen Singer.

https://www.matthewzachary.com
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Cancer and Careers: Help With Work During and After Cancer

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Cancer Hope Network: One-to-One Peer Mentoring for People Facing Cancer