Demetre, Canada

I was first diagnosed with leukemia when I was just 2 years old, and again at 5. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what was happening—I just knew I was always at the hospital, surrounded by adults who spoke in quiet voices and looked at me with worry. What confused me the most was how different I felt from other kids. I missed out on normal childhood experiences and often felt isolated, even though I couldn’t fully explain why.

Then at 17, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. This time, I was old enough to grasp the reality of what was happening—and that came with a whole new kind of emotional weight. People would say things like, “At least it’s not that bad,” or “You’re so young, you’ll bounce back.” But I didn’t feel seen. I felt like my pain and fear were being dismissed just because I looked okay on the outside.

What helped me feel empowered was finding people who truly listened. A close friend once said, “You don’t have to pretend to be strong with me,” and those words gave me permission to be honest about how hard it really was. I also found power in sharing my story—first with people I trusted, and then more publicly. Every time someone said, “I felt the same way, thank you for saying that,” it reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

Being misunderstood was painful—but being heard gave me strength. Now, I try to be that voice for others, to show that no matter what you’ve faced, healing is possible, and your story matters.