
My cancer diagnosis has never defined who I am
Sam Varnam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a teenager in 2017. Now 24, he tells us about how he navigated the challenges of treatment, and the route he took to becoming a police officer.
Sam Varnam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a teenager in 2017. Now 24, he tells us about how he navigated the challenges of treatment, and the route he took to becoming a police officer.
Olly Liddle was diagnosed with bone cancer as a teenager. Here, he tells us how this has shaped his life, including inspiring a new career as a personal trainer.
Shane Gunby was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 15 in 2012, leaving him with several long-term side effects. He explains how this has impacted him in the workplace, and what a difference proper support from employers can make to young people navigating the world of work after cancer.
During cancer treatment, children and young people (CYP) and their families will meet, and receive care from, a wide range of healthcare professionals. Mostly, these will be their consultants or clinical nurse specialists, but there are many others who will provide wider, and pivotal, support. We hear from three such people about their roles.
Sian Brown’s son, George, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in April 2019 when seven months old. Here, she explains how she gave up work to care for George and the financial implications of this, and how volunteering work led her back into employment helping other families of children with cancer.
Roxanne Lawrance is Chief Executive at Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity that supports teenagers and young adults impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Here, she tells us about some of the ways Teens Unite helps young people who have had cancer gain vital skills, experience and insight to prepare them for searching for and starting employment.
Many parents will feel huge levels of stress as they try to figure out how and if they can continue to work and care for their child through treatment. Andrew Whitehouse, Service Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, tells us what legal rights you have and how employers can support you.