Dayna, Australia

Cancer turned my world upside down

My younger sister, Aylla, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia a month before her third birthday. This resulted in a lifetime in and out of hospital, managing multiple relapses, and the long-term side effects of her cancer treatment that affected almost every system in her body. One of the consequences of the massive doses of chemotherapy she received was severe damage to her heart, resulting in heart failure over 16 years, and ultimately caused her death at the age of 37 when her kidneys eventually shut down. 

The post-treatment phase is often the forgotten side of cancer, and it is one of the reasons why more cancer research is needed to improve the long-term effects of treatment and their impact on someone’s quality of life. It also highlights the importance of including people with a lived and/or living experience of cancer at all stages of the cancer journey and sector. 

Aylla’s cancer journey also impacted my world, motivating me to pursue a career in science and sparked my passion for advocacy. My first opportunity as a lived experience expert was during my teenager years when I was invited to speak at an educational event for teachers who had a student impacted by cancer. Taking on various leadership roles in Canteen, including National President, Chair, and Board Director, consolidated my passion to make a difference for others impacted by cancer. I’ve been privileged to work in the sector both in a professional and volunteer capacity. 

This year’s World Cancer Day theme “United By Unique” resonates deeply with me as everyone’s experience with this terrible disease is different, but we are all connected given that almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Meaning that most people will either experience a cancer diagnosis themselves, and/or have a loved one diagnosed with cancer. I miss my sister every single day, but I am determined to continue making the world a better place for people diagnosed with cancer and their families.   

#WorldCancerDay #UnitedByUnique #UpsideDownChallenge #CancerResearch #LivedExperience