I joined Canteen in 2016, 3 years after my mum’s breast cancer diagnosis. Ever since then, Canteen has been as much a part of my life as my friends and family. Canteen, after all, is the reason for my closest support network. My Mum passed away in 2018 as I was completing Year 11 (at high school) and I have no doubt that without Canteen, that very important period of my life would have been so much harder. My biggest fear has long been the idea of another young person attempting to navigate cancer in any form without Canteen in their corner. I have no doubt that without Canteen I would not be the person I am today.
In 2021 I attained my commercial pilots license and have since gone on to commence a Bachelor of Business at RMIT University. My training as a Commercial Pilot has given me many transferrable skills, including being able to assess risk, carefully consider all options and subsequent outcomes. I come to the Board with 7 years of youth leadership training and experience as a Canteen young person, providing a unique perspective to the Board as a current direct recipient of Canteen’s services and support offerings. I always maintain a curious perspective in every challenge, something I will continue in my tenure as a Member Director.
Canteen is unique. It supports but most importantly it empowers. The common thread among all the amazing young people I’ve met through Canteen is that we don’t see cancer as defining us, we all see cancer as having provided us with a chance to grow from our experiences. Without Canteen this would be a very different story. The opportunity to join the Board means I can continue my commitment to the organisation ensuring no young person has to face cancer without Canteen in their corner.
