Garrett
My name is Garrett.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 15. I struggled with the lack of resources specific to AYAs including support for mental health, the logistics of treatment and the costs of travel for appointments. Anew is blazing a path forward to better care and support for AYAs and the value is immeasurable.
Kim
I am Kim. (1982 - 2024)
My name is Kim and I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 34.
My biggest challenges was finding resources targeted for young women living with cancer … going through menopause, losing parts of my body, and putting career and family planning aside. Taking part in Anew’s research will help others going forward. .
Laura
I’m Laura.
I was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 39.
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to life with permanent disabilities from treatment. I hope that one day young adults with cancer have wraparound care from diagnosis to survivorship. Being part of Anew is important because I can help other young people have better outcomes.
Shandy
I’m Shandy.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39.
A key challenge I faced was accessing fertility treatment. The work of Anew is important to me because I know how hard I had to self-advocate even with my many privileges. I want to offer my experience to inform the future of AYA cancer care in BC/Yukon. .
Nellie
I’m Nellie.
I was diagnosed with cancer at age 40.
Key challenges I faced included not returning to work due to side effects from treatment as well as the isolation and uncertainty that followed.
The work of Anew is important to me because I want young adults who go through cancer treatment in the future to have a better experience than I did.
Duncan
I’m Duncan.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 24. I felt terrified, isolated, overwhelmed and broken. I needed greater support as a young adult at a specific stage of life that could help with the side effects of treatment and with my mental and emotional wellbeing.
The work of Anew is important to me because it is helping build a better system of cancer care in BC/Yukon so that young adults diagnosed in the years to come have support that meets all their needs.
Lily
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.