My name is Nivan.

I was diagnosed with with with osteosarcoma at age 16. A major challenge I faced was social isolation. I was unable to receive treatment in my hometown of Prince Rupert, so took a leave from high school and travelled to Vancouver for 9 months. During treatment I felt isolated from my friends and family back home. After treatment I felt isolated from the peer-support groups in Vancouver. Social isolation is merely one of many issues AYAs from rural communities face and I am grateful to Anew for bringing awareness to our concerns.

Anew amplifies the voices of AYAs from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They highlight the stories of people from varied identities including race, gender, ability, distance from care centres and socio-economic status. Thanks to Anew, our voices do not go unheard.

My name is Celina.

I was diagnosed with with cervical cancer at age 30 and again at age 35… stage 4. Major challenges I faced included the financial strain of being unable to work during treatment, the extensive medical travel required from Northern BC, fertility concerns and the emotional weight of trying to remain present as a mother through it all. With Anew, we are pushing for change that supports AYAs through the many realities of life during and after cancer.

My name is Savan.

I was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 16. Overnight my life became a balance of hospital appointments, schoolwork, friendships – and trying not to lose myself in the middle of it all. That’s why Anew means so much to me. They ease the weight that comes with a diagnosis and reminds young adults like me that we don’t have to carry the weight alone.

My name is Roxanne.

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 21. A major challenge I faced was being queer in medical spaces not designed for me. The work of Anew is important because it is amplifying voices that otherwise may not be heard.

My name is Ethan.

I was diagnosed with leukemia at age 13. Being away from physical activity and navigating through the physical and psychological barriers following treatment were major challenges for me. The work of Anew is important to ensuring AYAs are physically, mentally and financially supported – leading to a better life after cancer.

My name is Stacey.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the ages of 34 and again at age 36.

I found the hardest part of being an AYA with cancer was the transition back to ‘normal’ life. Issues like returning to work and changing body image are often overlooked. I’m grateful to Anew for valuing patient perspectives to create the tangible improvements in AYA cancer care.

I’m Lise. (1981 - 2024)

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 shortly after the birth of my second child.

I want more research and funding to be allocated to AYA cancer so that diagnoses can be temporary rather than terminal. Working with Anew is the path toward this goal.

I’m Lily.

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the age of 28.

A key challenge I faced was managing a delayed diagnosis and the anxiety that came along with that.

The work of Anew is important to me because telling the stories of young adults facing cancer is the way we will make change happen.