Like most people, I never expected cancer to come knocking at my door. I was 18, transitioning from High School to Uni, when diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had no idea it existed, let alone how to beat it.
When I received treatment in the oncology unit, I found there would be no one else my own age. I’d sit there, holding back tears, because as an 18-year-old I thought I had to be brave. That by being young, fit and healthy meant that cancer was something I could handle.
But I couldn’t do it alone.
I did some research to help me feel like I was in control of a situation where I felt so lost. That’s when I first came across Canteen.
Canteen’s support helped me to keep moving forward. Not only did my psychosocial support worker help me gain back my independence (which is something I had lost since the diagnosis), but the peer support Canteen offered was incredibly valuable.
I needed to know there was someone willing to help me through my toughest time. Someone to tell me that I wasn't alone in this experience.
Because of you I was able to access Canteen’s life-changing support services, and connect with other young people who could truly understand the challenges of cancer. I’m beyond grateful for everything you’ve done for me and young Aussies impacted by cancer.
Caption: Fiona and her sister, who also accessed Canteen services
In 2022, I was Canteen’s Bandanna Day youth ambassador. I was given the opportunity to design my own bandanna, which you can see me holding!
The floral elements were hand drawn by me and symbolise the growth I’ve had since my cancer diagnosis and my hope for a flourishing future.
The bandanna design represents the resilience of a young adult cancer survivor. There is always new growth after devastating environmental events. I feel this reflects what happened to me, after my own devastating life event. I’ve had new growth after finishing treatment and gaining Canteen’s support.