The Boon Project: Supporting Young Adults Fighting Cancer in Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

The Boon Project is a nonprofit organization based in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with cancer. 

Founded in 2017, its mission is to combat the increased rates of isolation and depression experienced by young adult cancer fighters and survivors, while equipping them with resources to help increase survival rates.

Mission and Vision

The Boon Project’s mission is to address the unique challenges faced by young adults with cancer-challenges that often include social isolation, mental health struggles, and a lack of age-appropriate resources. The organization aims to stand in the gap for these individuals by providing supportive programs, community-building events, and practical cancer-fighting resources. Their vision is to ease the burden for this demographic and, ultimately, improve survival rates.

Key Programs and Services

• Courage Club: This is a free, private online support group and monthly meet-up for young adult cancer fighters and survivors in the Charleston area. The club focuses on combating loneliness and fostering a supportive community. It also includes the “Metathriver” subgroup for those with stage 4 or chronic cancer, meeting quarterly in addition to regular events.

• Patient Support: The Boon Project provides financial assistance grants to help ease the financial burden of cancer treatment. The number of requests for these grants nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the organization was able to fulfill every request, often at an increased level of $500 per grant.

Boon Bags: These are care packages filled with cancer-fighting resources, organizational tools, and information about other helpful organizations. Over 110 Boon Bags have been distributed in the Charleston area.

• Fitness Force: Physical and mental health are addressed through exercise classes and wellness activities, which moved online during the pandemic to maintain engagement and support.

Community and Events

The Boon Project emphasizes the healing power of community. Their motto, “Community is Healing,” is reflected in their regular events, such as the annual Boon Gala, which raises significant funds and awareness for their mission. Other events include family days, dinners, and social meet-ups, all designed to foster connections among young adult cancer fighters and their families.

Impact and Funding

Since its founding, the Boon Project has grown in both reach and impact. It relies on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events, with the annual gala being a major source of income. The organization has been able to meet every financial assistance request thanks to strong community support. Its programs are tailored to address the socioeconomic side effects of a young adult cancer diagnosis, such as loneliness, financial strain, and the need for age-appropriate resources.

Thank you for all your positive efforts in the Lowcountry.