How Brands Can Support Young Cancer Patients: The Cheer Box Initiative
The Reality of Cancer in Your 30s and 40s
When you’re diagnosed with cancer in your 30s or 40s, you face unique challenges that traditional cancer support programs often overlook:
- You’re still parenting young children who need reassurance while you’re terrified yourself
- You’ve likely lost income from taking leave or losing your job (I was laid off just months before my diagnosis)
- Generic “cancer care packages” miss the mark—you don’t need another pink ribbon item; you need products that work with chemo side effects
- You’re isolated from peers who are living completely different lives
- The financial strain is crushing—from medical bills to basic living expenses to the car repossession that happened the day I came home from the hospital with my diagnosis
During my treatment for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), I learned firsthand what actually helps: fragrance-free skincare for sensitive skin, soft socks for neuropathy, entertainment for those long infusion days, and small luxuries that remind you you’re still human.
Why This Matters for Your Brand
Corporate Social Responsibility That Resonates
Today’s consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—expect brands to demonstrate authentic social impact. Supporting young cancer patients isn’t just good PR; it’s meeting your customers where their values are.
An Underserved Demographic
While pediatric cancer and senior cancer programs receive significant attention, young adults (18-50) represent a growing segment of cancer patients who fall through the cracks. Lymphoma, breast cancer, and other cancers increasingly affect this age group, yet support programs are limited.
Authentic Storytelling Opportunity
Partner brands don’t just donate products—they become part of real recovery stories. Recipients share their experiences, creating organic brand awareness among a loyal, engaged audience.
Tax-Deductible Partnership (Coming Soon)
While Cheer Box is currently a personal initiative, we’re in the process of establishing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will make future partnerships tax-deductible for your business.
What Goes Into a Cheer Box
Each Cheer Box is thoughtfully curated with products that address the real needs of cancer patients:
Skincare & Self-Care
- Fragrance-free, gentle products (chemo destroys your skin barrier)
- Moisturizing lip balms (chemo causes severe dry mouth)
- Hand creams for dry, cracked skin
- Eco-friendly, natural ingredients that are safe for compromised immune systems
Comfort Items
- Soft, warm socks (hospitals are freezing, and neuropathy makes feet sensitive)
- Cozy items for infusion days
- Journal or gratitude notebook (mental health matters)
Eco-Friendly Products
- Sustainable, non-toxic candles (when you can tolerate scents again, they’re a luxury)
- Reusable water bottles (hydration is critical during chemo)
- Natural, clean beauty products
Entertainment & Distraction
- Books, puzzles, or activity books for long treatment days
- Streaming service gift cards
- Podcasts or audiobook subscriptions
Makeup & Confidence Boosters
- Brow products (you lose eyebrows and lashes)
- Clean, non-toxic makeup that’s safe during treatment
- Head wraps or soft hats
Practical Necessities
- Grocery or gas gift cards (financial strain is real)
- Meal delivery service credits
- Portable phone chargers for long hospital days
Partnership Opportunities
We’re seeking partnerships with eco-conscious, mission-driven brands who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer patients.
Ways to Partner:
Product Donations Contribute your products to be included in Cheer Boxes. Ideal for brands with:
- Skincare and beauty products (fragrance-free, gentle formulations)
- Comfort items and home goods
- Eco-friendly, sustainable products
- Entertainment and wellness items
Sponsored Boxes Sponsor an entire box (or multiple boxes) for distribution. Your brand receives recognition on our website, social media, and in communications with recipients.
Financial Partnerships Support operational costs including shipping, packaging, and program administration. Financial partners receive prominent recognition and impact reports.
Co-Branded Initiatives Collaborate on special edition boxes or awareness campaigns that align with your brand values and marketing calendar (such as Cancer Awareness Month).
Why Partner with Cheer Box?
Authentic Mission-Driven Founder This isn’t theoretical—I lived it. I was laid off in September 2024, diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in May 2025, and rang the cancer-free bell in September 2025. I know exactly what young cancer patients need because I needed it.
Focus on an Underserved Population Young adults and parents facing cancer have unique needs that aren’t met by traditional programs. We’re filling that gap.
Eco-Conscious Values We prioritize sustainable, non-toxic, eco-friendly products that align with the values of conscious consumers and responsible brands.
Real Impact, Real Stories Every box goes to a real person with a real story. Your partnership creates tangible impact, not abstract charity.
Growing Community As we establish our nonprofit status and expand our reach, early partners will be foundational to our growth and recognition.
Who Receives Cheer Boxes?
Cheer Box serves cancer patients ages 18-50 (with flexibility for any age), with a particular focus on:
- Young parents navigating treatment while caring for children
- Young professionals facing job loss and financial strain
- Anyone dealing with aggressive cancers requiring intensive treatment
- Patients who lack robust support systems
Recipients can apply through our website or be nominated by oncology social workers, cancer centers, or loved ones.
My Story: From Patient to Advocate
In late winter of 2024, I found a grape-sized lump in my groin. I’d been sick with the flu for six weeks, was managing eight kids on a reduced income after my layoff, and assumed it was stress.
By late April, a doctor misdiagnosed it as an inguinal hernia. By May 4th, the pain was so severe I couldn’t walk. The ER CT scan revealed swollen lymph nodes throughout my body. That night in the hospital, alone with the word “lymphoma” echoing in my head, I thought about my eight children and wondered if I’d see them grow up.
The diagnosis: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, stage 4.
The reality: Six months of chemotherapy starting June 5th. Eight kids still needing homework help and reassurance. A husband working full time while managing everything at home. Food bank visits. Swallowing our pride to ask for help.
On September 18th, 2025, I rang the bell. On October 21st, my PET scan came back clean.
I’m cancer-free, but I’ll never forget what it felt like to be 37, terrified, and watching our car get repossessed the same day I came home to tell my kids I had cancer.
That’s why Cheer Box exists. Because young cancer patients deserve support that understands their reality—the financial strain, the parenting challenges, the isolation, and the desperate need for small comforts that remind you you’re still you.
Let’s Work Together
If your brand values authentic impact, sustainability, and supporting underserved communities, I’d love to explore a partnership.
Cheer Box is actively seeking:
- Eco-friendly skincare and beauty brands
- Sustainable home goods and comfort item companies
- Clean makeup and personal care products
- Entertainment and wellness brands
- Corporate sponsors for operational support
To learn more about partnership opportunities, please reach out:
Email: jaclyn.rubly@outlook.com
Together, we can bring comfort, dignity, and hope to young cancer patients when they need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cancer does Cheer Box support?
All types. While my experience is with lymphoma, Cheer Box serves anyone facing cancer, with a focus on ages 18-50.
Is Cheer Box a nonprofit?
We’re currently a personal initiative and are in the process of establishing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
How are recipients selected?
Through applications on our website, nominations from oncology social workers, or referrals from cancer centers.
What’s the geographic reach?
We’re starting in the Pacific Northwest and expanding nationwide as partnerships and resources grow.
How can individuals support Cheer Box?
We’ll be announcing ways for individuals to contribute soon. For now, brand partnerships are our primary focus.
What makes Cheer Box different from other cancer care packages?
Our focus on young adults, eco-friendly products, and practical items selected by someone who actually went through treatment—not corporate donors guessing what patients need.