We’re on a mission to raise $300,000 by 11/11 to support young adults facing cancer through Dear Jack’s LifeList, Breathe Now, and community programs.
Donate, fundraise, or spread the word to help us reach our goal and continue to support AYA cancer patients and survivors across the country.
LifeList is a wish-granting program that offers hope and support to young adults who are currently receiving treatment for a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. This program provides positive experiences to focus on during treatment and an opportunity to connect with a community of young adult patients, survivors, and advocates who have experienced similar journeys.
If you are a young adult, ages 18-39, currently in treatment for cancer, you may qualify for the LifeList program.
LifeList applications for Q2 of 2026 are now open. Phase 1 applications will be accepted until March 26th at 10 am MST. To be eligible for Q2 of the program, you must submit a Phase 1 application prior to then.
LifeList has a limited capacity and any eligible phase 1 applicants will be entered into a randomized selection process. You will receive an email by the end of the day on March 27th, letting you know if you have been selected to move forward in the process. If selected to move forward, you will be required to complete a more comprehensive application within 72 hours.
The LifeList program serves cancer patients who are between the ages of 18-39 who are currently receiving medical treatment to address an active cancer diagnosis.
The LifeList program is open to new applications on a quarterly basis. Any applications received during the time frame listed at the top of this page will be included in a random selection. On the close of application day, all applicants will receive an email letting them know if they have been selected to move forward in the process or not. All application cycles will open and close at 10 am MT.
Our LifeList participant wishes vary from travel to technology to experiences to home goods and much more. The maximum amount of spend for each LifeList is $1,500 with an average value of $2000. We have some incredible corporate partners who periodically donate to help us with wishes and may contribute to the overall value of a LifeList wish. Due to the unique nature of this program, the individuality of wishes and the unpredictable variance of donations, the total value may be greater and/or the total spend may be less for each participant.
LifeList program participants are an active part of the program for a total of 6 months from the date of acceptance. All LifeList wishes must be completed or ordered within those 6 months. Please be aware of your health status and the reality of being able to fulfill your requests within that time frame.
Dear Jack Foundation is unable to accept wish requests for VISA/AMEX/Amazon gift cards, cash, or financial assistance (rent, mortgage, home repairs, car payments, student loan payments, medical expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, credit card payments, etc).
While Dear Jack strives to make wishes come true, we reserve the right to deny a wish or request modifications. If Dear Jack has concerns about your wishes, we will communicate appropriately with you and work together to create the best experience for you.
The sky is nearly the limit! We encourage our participants to identify wishes that provide a meaningful boost to their quality of life. While every LifeList is unique, most wishes generally fall into these categories:
Travel & Experiences: Restorative trips, visits to national parks, or tickets to concerts and sporting events.
Technology & Gear: Laptops for school or work, high-quality cameras for creative pursuits, or gaming equipment for staying connected with friends.
Home Goods & Comfort: Upgrades to a participant’s living space, such as comfortable furniture or kitchen appliances.
Personal Growth: Enrollment in certificate courses, music lessons, or equipment to launch a personal project.
Are there any restrictions on these wishes? To ensure the program remains sustainable and impactful for as many young adults as possible, we follow a few practical guidelines:
Feasibility: All wishes must be legal, respectful of others, and physically possible to fulfill within a six-month window.
Budget & Value: Dear Jack typically allocates a maximum spend of $1,500 per participant. However, the total value of a LifeList may often be greater—or the direct spend less—depending on the unique nature of the wishes and the incredible generosity of our donors and partners.
Prohibited Items: Per our policy, we cannot fulfill requests for cash, gift cards (e.g., Visa, Amazon), or direct financial assistance such as rent, medical bills, or car payments.
If a participant is selected, our team works closely with them to refine their list and ensure every wish is both impactful and achievable.
