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 are currently closed. Our next application cycle will open on March 19, 2026 at 10 am MST> To receive information about the LifeList program and updates about the next application cycle, please complete the interest form.
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.
"I’ve only been taking two classes per semester ever since due to the cost of classes and the amount of appointments that I have to go to."
"I just want to put a smile on my kids’ faces before they have to be stronger than they should at their age."
"Nothing I can write does justice to how hard this has been. Not being as strong a mom as my children deserve has probably been the most difficult part of this."
"When I was a kid, I felt light, joyful, and alive in the water. I’d love to get back to that feeling, even just for a little while."
"Watching my friends’ lives move on while mine feels at a standstill has been one of the hardest parts."
"More than anything, I just want to be here for my kids for as long as possible. The weight of that hope is something I carry every single day."
"Sometimes, I get glimpses of my old self, of feeling healthy again, and then I’m back in the chair, letting a cocktail of drugs both heal and hurt me."
"I just want time with them. To laugh, to relax, and to remember what it’s like to simply live."
"It would be an incredible opportunity to step outside of the daily challenges of treatment and celebrate life in a way that brings joy and hope."
