I am Kim. (1982 - 2024)

I enjoy hiking and being in nature.

I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 34.

One of the biggest challenges was finding resources targeted for young women living with cancer and what it’s like to go through menopause, lose parts of my body, and to put career and family planning aside at a young age.

I’m Laura.

I enjoy stand-up comedy.

I was diagnosed with lung cancer as a young adult.

One of the biggest challenges has been being honest with my child in an age-appropriate way that explains what is happening without traumatizing them.

I hope that one day young adults with cancer have wraparound care.

I am a young adult.

I enjoy playing tennis.

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

My hope for young adult cancer is that young adults feel supported – mentally, financially, physically – before, during, and after treatment.

I’m Vikram.

I enjoy collecting art.

I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 27.

Please remember, I am so much more than my illness and my treatment.

I’m Shandy.

I enjoy reading, hearing, watching, and writing stories about people.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young adult.

I hope for new treatments that cause less damage to the bodies and lives of young adults. I hope young cancer patients can look forward to their futures similarly to their peers.

I’m Nellie.

I enjoy knitting, gardening, and sewing.

I was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult.

Navigating cancer as a young adult, I have learned to live with deep uncertainty with the future and how to balance hope with acceptance.

I’m Duncan.

I enjoy playing music.

I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24.

My hope for young adult cancer is that we can expand funding and resources for young adult survivors.

I’m Charlene.

I enjoy making art and being creative.

I was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult.

Being diagnosed as a young adult with cancer is different and comes with so many challenges that are unique to us. Dealing with all of this is hard enough, but for me another layer is added to the storm as a person of colour. In an ideal world, it wouldn’t matter the colour of your skin, everyone would be treated the same.

I’m Lise. (1981 - 2024)

I love running and spending time with friends and family.

I was diagnosed with HER2+ Breast Cancer as a young adult.

I want more research and funding to be allocated to young adult cancer so that diagnoses can be temporary rather than terminal.

I’m Lily.

I enjoy riding my bike and swimming in the ocean.

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

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to live with uncertainty while allowing myself to feel deep joy and hope for the future.