Karla remembers her diagnosis, and recalls being shocked and scared. She needed help doing most things in her daily life, but this was upsetting as she was a teenager and wanted to gain independence. Karla knows how important it was […]
Teen Cancer America (130 films)
Eight Young People are Diagnosed with Cancer Every Hour in the USA
Since our launch in 2012, we have made large strides thanks to your support and we are only getting started…
Teen Cancer America partners with hospitals throughout the United States to develop specialised facilities and services for teens and young adults with cancer. We build teen friendly environments, enhancing the hospital experience. We develop standards for age-targeted care, improve collaboration between paediatric and adult specialists and enable dedicated research to improve outcomes and survival for our young people.
Kalina was only 22 when she was diagnosed, and she was almost relieved that she had an explanation for why she was feeling sick. She remembers being unable to move after her first surgery, which affected her as she was […]
Kalina – Utah
Julia was diagnosed at age 16, and had attended just one day of summer school before she was diagnosed. Julia and her family were very shocked and scared following this. She noticed drastic physical changes in her appearance, and then […]
Julia – North Carolina
Julia remembers that she was relieved to start feeling better after her treatment and diagnosis, and that it took a while for her diagnosis to register with her. She also discusses her options around having children, which resulted in her […]
Julia – Maine
Julia is only 14, and she at first struggled to understand her diagnosis. She spends her time recording her journey through treatment online. Julia’s family, friends, and religion helps her keep her spirits up and keeps her positive.
Julia – South Carolina
Jordan has a block of memory missing from when he was on lots of pain medication. Since he finished his treatment, he has been looking to get his life on track by going to college, and taking better care of […]
Jordan – California
Joey was treated at a children’s hospital at 18, and was the oldest person having treatment. He felt like he was alone in the hospital, as everyone was younger than him. He had to learn to walk again, and finds […]
Joey – Delaware
Jo discusses how she took on her “tough” identity, until she started losing her hair, which made her feel very separate and different compared to other people her age. She lost most of her friends from school, making her feel […]
Jo – Washington
Jenny was only 24 when she was diagnosed, with no family history. She did not have health insurance to cover her treatment. Her hospital visits were very expensive. Jenny remembers deciding to live, rather than allow her health to decline […]
Jenny – Michigan
Jaden was working a lot before her diagnosis, and she put off seeing a doctor for her knee pain. She was stuck indoors throughout her treatment, and found it upsetting to see younger children in pain. She soon realised that […]
Jaden – Hawaii
Jacob says was diagnosed 4-5 weeks ago, but as time moulds into one in the hospital it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date. He was comforted by having a label given to his health problems. His cancer only affects […]
Jacob – West Virgina
Jacob discusses how his treatment made him very weak, and that it took him a while to realise the long-term effects. He sees the positive in even just being able to get out of bed in the morning.