Cactus Cancer Society

Cactus Cancer Society We run online programs focused on survivorship care + peer to peer connection.

Cactus Cancer Society (formerly Lacuna Loft) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that encourages, empowers, and connects young adult cancer survivors and caregivers around the globe, 24/7. Cactus Cancer Society (formerly Lacuna Loft) is a nonprofit organization offering lifestyle support for young adult cancer & chronic illness patients, survivors, & caregivers. Our flagship program features an online magazine

with daily articles on everything lifestyle maintenance and psychosocial support for these young adults. Future programs include an online wellness workshop as well as online support groups. We seek to offer age-appropriate resources and tools for young adults facing dramatic health concerns to adapt their once bustling lifestyle to fit their new challenges. We offer the lifestyle and psychosocial support that many clinical resources neglect. Lacuna Loft shares stories to end isolation and provide an outlet for these young adults to learn to live vibrantly in a new normal.

National Cancer Survivors Day 💚 For young adults with cancer, ringing the bell isn't really the finish line. About 85,0...
06/07/2026

National Cancer Survivors Day 💚 For young adults with cancer, ringing the bell isn't really the finish line. About 85,000 AYAs (ages 15–39) are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and while survival rates continue to improve we know that surviving is insufficient at Cactus Cancer Society. ⁠
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Because life after young adult cancer can mean long-term side effects like fertility changes, chronic pain, mental health issues, financial stress, and figuring out how to live in a body and life that feel different now. (National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society) So today, we’re holding space for all of it. The relief, the grief, the weird in-between, the community, and the small wins that don’t always get seen.⁠
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However this day lands for you, we’re really glad you’re here 💚 Head to our website to check out our line-up of programming built for AYA's navigating the during AND after of cancer.

National Cancer Survivors Day 💚 For young adults with cancer, ringing the bell isn't really the finish line. About 85,0...
06/07/2026

National Cancer Survivors Day 💚 For young adults with cancer, ringing the bell isn't really the finish line. About 85,000 AYAs (ages 15–39) are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and while survival rates continue to improve we know that surviving is insufficient at Cactus Cancer Society.

Because life after young adult cancer can mean long-term side effects like fertility changes, chronic pain, mental health issues, financial stress, and figuring out how to live in a body and life that feel different now. (National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society) So today, we’re holding space for all of it. The relief, the grief, the weird in-between, the community, and the small wins that don’t always get seen.

However this day lands for you, we’re really glad you’re here 💚 Head to our website to check out our line-up of programming built for AYA's navigating the during AND after of cancer: https://cactuscancer.org/

There’s something about building that just… works. You get to focus on what’s right in front of you, piece by piece, and...
06/04/2026

There’s something about building that just… works. You get to focus on what’s right in front of you, piece by piece, and for a little while, everything else can quiet down. That’s what our Builder’s Workshops are all about.

We’ll send you a LEGO kit, then meet up to build together. Some people follow the instructions exactly, some just like having something to do with their hands while they hang out. It’s easy, a little meditative, and an easy way to share space with other young adults with cancer.

You don’t have to be “creative” or know what you’re doing. You just have to show up and start.

Head to our website or sign up for our newsletter to grab your spot. These programs go FAST, sign-ups are limited!

You don’t have to figure out what you need before you show up. You can just… show up. From your couch, your bed, at trea...
06/03/2026

You don’t have to figure out what you need before you show up. You can just… show up. From your couch, your bed, at treatment, in your car, or wherever fits best for you.

Our drop-ins are small, steady moments in the week where you can be around people who get it, make something with your hands, and feel a little more like yourself again. Some days you’ll want to talk. Some days you won’t. Sometimes you’ll come with a notebook and a plan. Sometimes you’ll just land and see what happens. It all works here.

These groups are easy to return to, easy to fit into your life, and built to meet you wherever you’re at that day. Register once and join us throughout June whenever it feels right 💚 Head to our website or sign up for our newsletter to see the schedule and get started!

June is showing up with a little more light, a little more color, and a lot of ways to take care of yourself along the w...
06/02/2026

June is showing up with a little more light, a little more color, and a lot of ways to take care of yourself along the way ☀️

This month’s lineup is full of spaces to slow down, create something with your hands, and spend time with people who actually get it. You’ll find moments for reflection, creativity, connection, and a little bit of play, too. Come as you are. Stay quiet or share. Make something messy or meaningful or both.

All programs are designed by and for young adults facing cancer. No art or writing experience needed. Just you, a device, and some time carved out for yourself. Workshops do fill up, so if something catches your eye, don’t wait too long! Head to our website or sign up for our newsletter to explore the full calendar and save your spot.

LGBTQIA+ people impacted by cancer are still navigating real barriers to care.Research published in Frontiers in Oncolog...
06/01/2026

LGBTQIA+ people impacted by cancer are still navigating real barriers to care.

Research published in Frontiers in Oncology found that about 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ cancer patients report discrimination during their cancer care. A 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that s*xual and gender minority patients experienced delays to diagnosis and treatment, along with higher rates of cancer recurrence. Many cancer patients also report being misgendered, having partners dismissed, and needing to correct provider assumptions while they are receiving care. Then, there are barriers to screening and prevention that are further exacerbated by a lack of inclusive forms, inadequate provider training, and distrust of the healthcare system.

At Cactus Cancer Society, we’re building spaces where young adults don’t have to navigate those barriers alone, and we intentionally include q***r identity in our programming. We create spaces where you can show up fully, safely, and just be.

Head to our website to check our latest offerings or sign-up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

Some questions feel… too awkward to ask out loud. Especially when it comes to s*x, relationships, and how your body has ...
05/31/2026

Some questions feel… too awkward to ask out loud. Especially when it comes to s*x, relationships, and how your body has changed during or after cancer.

Awkward Auntie is here for that. This is a space where young adults impacted by cancer can ask the questions that feel uncomfortable, personal, or hard to bring up with a provider and actually get real answers. You can ask anything. Truly. All questions are anonymous, and responses are shared with the community so others can feel a little less alone in what they’re navigating. Submit your question through our website or email [email protected] (link in bio) https://bit.ly/3EuBnFg

Rooted in Resilience is Cactus Cancer Society’s 10th Anniversary Anthology, a limited-edition collection of stories, art...
05/30/2026

Rooted in Resilience is Cactus Cancer Society’s 10th Anniversary Anthology, a limited-edition collection of stories, art, poetry, and reflections from young adults who know cancer firsthand. Drawn from voices across our community, this book honors the creativity and honesty that have shaped our mission over the past decade. Each page holds moments of resilience, connection, and shared humanity, something to return to when you need hope, understanding, or a reminder that you’re not alone.

Whether you’ve been part of our community for years or you’re new to the terrarium, this beautifully designed anthology is a testament to what can grow when people are given space to create and be seen.

With a $45 donation to Cactus Cancer Society, we’ll send you your own copy of Rooted in Resilience. 📦 Grab yours before they’re gone for good: https://cactuscancer.org/product/anthology/

05/29/2026

You don’t have to be “good” at art to be part of this. Our spaces aren’t about perfection or performance. They’re about showing up. Starting where you are. Making something, even if it’s messy or unfinished. Letting yourself be present with what’s in front of you.
Because when you take the pressure off getting it right, it becomes easier to actually engage with what you’re doing. To notice what’s coming up. To stay with something instead of overthinking it.

That’s where art starts to feel helpful.

🌵 You just have to let yourself start. Head to our website to check out our lineup for creative programs!

THANK YOU!We couldn't be happier and more full of gratitude in celebrating our 11th year than we are right now. Our bir...
05/28/2026

THANK YOU!

We couldn't be happier and more full of gratitude in celebrating our 11th year than we are right now. Our birthday month was full of meaningful programs and an amazing all-day birthday party creative retreat. We couldn’t be more grateful for the time we've spent with all of you and we can't wait for the next 11 years! Thank you for being in community with us!

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Oakland, CA

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