"A whole new perspective on life" from an AYA survivor

This first week of April is Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week, an opportunity to shine a light on the unique challenges that teen and young adult cancer patients and survivors face.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 89,000 young people (ages 15 to 39) are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States—accounting for about five percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States.

Medulloblastoma survivor Victoria shared with us the impact of being diagnosed with a brain tumor that had also spread into her spine as a young adult.

“Going through so much at age 21 gave me a whole new perspective on life. I try every day to be as selfless as I can and strive to live my life helping others,” she told us. “So many people helped me when I was sick and going through a difficult time. I remember being at an overnight stay at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and promising God at 2am that if I was blessed enough to beat the cancer, I would give back for all that was given to me and my family.”

More than ten years later, Victoria is fighting melanoma and other late effects resulting from the chemotherapy, radiation, and proton therapy she received during treatment — but she maintains an upbeat attitude.

“I realize that every single day breathing on earth is a blessing. I am truly thankful that I wake up each day and can function,” she says. “I try not to let the bad thoughts of recurrence, or why I’m in pain, or why I have eight difference doctors, take over my mind. I won’t let it consume my day, but honestly I’m only human and have my challenging days.”

In fulfillment of her promise to ‘pay it forward,’ Victoria and her family help other cancer patients through her foundation The Victoria Rose Fund.

Victoria knows that survivorship is not a destination but a winding journey.

“It’s a life-long diagnosis with constant upkeep and sometimes endless mountains to climb,” she says.

If you’re a childhood or adolescent cancer survivor struggling with physical, mental or emotional late effects, we encourage you to check out our Stewart Initiative for Childhood Cancer Survivors.

These free mobile-friendly courses are designed to be worked through at your own pace on your own time and cover topics like Survivorship Care Plans, late effects, disability rights, insurance access, and finances.