'CanTeen Means...' by Rachel Allan

'CanTeen Means...' by Rachel Allan

$5.00

2011 design.

I joined CanTeen when my older brother was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at the end of 2007. Ben, underwent brain surgery within days after it being discovered to remove the tumour, then went on to have months of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. This was the hardest and most horrible thing I thought I would have to endure, watching my big bro, get so sick and suffer so much.

At this time, the people at CanTeen were the only people who knew exactly what was going on for me as they had all been there done that, that was the biggest gift they could ever give me.

CanTeen has been amazing for both of us. The people we have met throughout New Zealand within CanTeen, are all amazing and truly inspirational. The leadership opportunities I have been offered from CanTeen are skills I will continue to use in both my time at CanTeen and my life outside of CanTeen.

On Christmas Eve, almost exactly 2 years after Ben's original diagnosis, his cancer suddenly returned. He passed away on the 5th of January 2010. We received so much practical and emotional support from all the Staff, Volunteers and members from CanTeen during this time.

Above all, the most valuable things CanTeen has made me realise is how important everyday is and how easily it can be taken for granted, and also how important it is to tell the people you love what they mean to you while you can.

We owe CanTeen so much; I have learnt so much about myself and couldn't have got through this journey without their support.  I have just stepped down as President of the Canterbury/West Coast branch because I've taken on a position as a counsellor at Camp America.   I'm looking forward to passing on the confidence and leadership skills I gained at CanTeen to other young people.

My bandanna is a reflection of all the things that CanTeen means to me.  It's really hard to put into words exactly what CanTeen has given me but I've given it a go.  The colours also reflect my home province, Canterbury.

CanTeen ensures young people living with cancer don't go through their journey alone, they provide a support network allowing young people living with cancer to support one another. The hands represent CanTeen members coming together as one to support one another, and the New Zealand represents the fact we live all throughout New Zealand.

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