My name is Yassine, I am 24 years old and I am proud to say I am a cancer survivor!
I have gone through ups and downs and I almost gave up, but fortunately I had the strength to fight and win against a horrible illness.
When I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I was starting university and a new job. It was an exciting new phase of my life. At the time when I was diagnosed everything was fine. Life was good and I was making plans for my future.
I still remember the day the doctors said “you have to undertake chemotherapy...”, it was like the world collapsed on my shoulders. I wasn’t even sure if I was scared about the treatment or worried about the side effects I would have to deal with in the future. I can only say it was horrible and the support I received made a big difference. The struggle was real - I was having treatment and still studying and working which drained all my energy.
I had so many side effects too; I put on so much weight that I wasn’t fitting in my clothes anymore. Even my friends back home barley recognised me. My hair was falling out, leaving me no option but to shave it all off.
When I was going to treatment it was such a nightmare! I hated needles and the nurses struggled giving me medication as I was sick most of the time. Nausea was the worst; I felt sick constantly and could taste the medicines they injected me with all day long. I wasn’t able to eat what I wanted either, which was horrible. I fell into depression. I wasn’t looking after myself anymore; I was struggling and trying to live day by day but I was emotionless. I became a body without a soul.
I remember those days walking around without expression and without feelings. Everything was so dark and sad I stopped talking to most of my friends and going out because I felt so embarrassed. But I never gave up; I knew that the dark tunnel must have had an exit point and I could see the light far away - I was sure it was just a matter of time! That light was Teens Unite.
The impact Teens Unite had on me was absolutely great. I met people who felt like me, who have been in the same situation. People who I couldn’t get embarrassed with because they were just like me. Teens Unite brought back the life in me. I started to go to events, started to join activities and this helped me to overcome the illness. Everyone at Teens Unite - even just with a smile - have healed my wounds.
I am forever grateful for the help I've received from Teens Unite and the way they have helped me to see life from a different perspective.
I am now part of the Teens Unite committee and I am looking forward to sharing what we have been working on with you all.
I am now in remission and hopefully I will never step a foot into an oncology department again! I am getting back into shape again and trying to move forward, but this has been a life changing experience that made me understand “the real meaning of life."
Volunteering with Teens Unite has changed my personality and outlook on life. When I hear all the amazing things the teens say about Teens Unite, I can tell they mean every word.
Nathan, 23, VolunteerTeens Unite isn't just a charity to me, it was the beginning of restarting my life.
Jess, 22, Teen, Acute Myeloid LeukaemiaWhen Elliot started receiving the support of Teens Unite, I could see a change in him straightaway. His outlook on life was becoming positive again and I gained strength from seeing my little boy accepting what had happened and starting to move forward.
David, Parent to Elliot, 18, Non-Hodgkins LymphomaI needed help and that's where Teens Unite came in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason I met Teens Unite was to save my life.
Harry, 20, Teen, Testicular CancerWith Teens Unite, I finally realised that I could climb out of this massive hole that I had been digging because I wasn't alone anymore.
Leanne, 21, Teen, Acute Lymphoblastic LeukaemiaIf it wasn't for Teens Unite, I wouldn't be where I am now. They have been really supportive and given me the strength to push myself and not give up.
Derry, 20, Teen, Brain TumourMy wife inspired me to volunteer following her fight against cancer. I wanted to help others carry on living their lives the way she did. And that's exactly what Teens Unite does.
John, 64, Volunteer