This being so long ago and at a young age I do not remember all
of it, but from what I do remember: I had a number of surgeries,
months of chemo and radio therapy to shrink and remove the tumor. I
had blood-tests, scans, treatment and specialists' visits plus
more.
After the first surgery to remove the tumor, I had to learn the
basics again such as how to walk, talk, and eat again. This also
caused me to have balance problems and some speech challenges,
especially in the early years after treatment. As a result of the
chemotherapy I have a High decibel hearing loss and due to
radiotherapy I got left with some learning challenges.
It was a tough time for my Mum and Dad along with my twin
brother and 3 year older sister. I imagine at the age my
brother and sister were, they were quite confused as to what was
going on. Let alone me having no idea as to why I was being a
victim with doctor and nurses given me the full attention.
And so therefore, the reason of my brain tumor is why I joined
CanTeen.
Despite my journey and challenges I battled through and recently
graduated with a Diploma in Business, and prior to that succeeded
in other business and information technology papers.
I joined CanTeen as soon as I was old enough at the young age of 13
and have not regretted it since. It gives you amazing opportunities
and experiences you may never get if you were not involved in such
an origination. It has given me opportunities and experiences of
leadership roles at a divisional level as well as me being on the
local committee for a number of years. It offers a peer support
network and a number of educational and recreational
programmers.
Through CanTeen I have meet many amazing people all with
different cancer stories to tell and who understand how difficult
life can be at times. You can share your stories with people
who are going through or have been through similar experiences so
therefore know what you're talking about.
CanTeen supports the patients, siblings and bereaved siblings
affected by cancer.