As part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month this April, we want to share Mohammed’s story.
Mohammed is a teenage cancer survivor. He was diagnosed, in 2004, aged 10, with a rare of leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Philadelphia positive chromosome. He received nine intensive chemotherapy sessions and 13 intensive radiotherapy sessions, and received 14 years of treatment to combat the disease.
He says “I missed school and was getting taught Maths, English and Science at home or in hospital until the age of 16. I needed a bone marrow transplant but due to the mutating leukaemia, I couldn’t find a match, even when, in 2006, my dad did a bone marrow transplant campaign alongside Anthony Nolan trust.
Living with cancer as a teenage was tough. I had no friends, only my family. Back in the early 2000s, cancer was not as known as it is now. I used to go in school for visits and my friends didn’t meet me, as I was not considered normal. The mental impact it had still lingers till this day. As a teenager I was unable to have a social life due to the severe side effects of treatment.
During my time in hospital I spent a lot of time with Candlelighters. They sent child and teenage cancer patients on holidays and trips, with Christmas parties at Royal Armouries or Leeds Stadium. Awareness around teen and young adult cancer is very important and I enjoy supporting the great work that Candlelighters do.”
We’re so grateful to Mohammed for sharing his story. Along with 19 other charities this month, Candlelighters are aiming to raise awareness and push for better support for teenagers and young people.
Candlelighters CEO Emily says: “Around 2,300 young people – who are already juggling the unique challenges that this age brings - are diagnosed with cancer each year and have to face the huge impact of its treatment. Life as a teenager should be full of possibilities, milestones and new beginnings. But, when faced with a cancer diagnosis during these years, everything changes.”
Treatment can disrupt education, delay exams, and make it hard to keep up with school or university. It also affects body image, with changes like hair loss and scarring impacting self-esteem. And friendships and relationships may shift, leaving many feeling isolated or uncertain about where they fit in.
“These challenges often take a toll on mental health,” says Emily. “Concerns about education, body image, and relationships, along with uncertainty about the future, can bring stress and challenges like anxiety and depression. Candlelighters is here to help.”
“We employ a Youth Activity Coordinator who works on the teenage ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital, ensuring young people aged 13-19 can take part in fun, engaging activities that support their mental and emotional wellbeing, and help them make connections with others.”
“We also offer talking therapies for young people, with our specialist therapists, who help teenagers to express and understand their feelings, and develop coping strategies to move forwards. And our family events give young people a chance to meet others their age, share experiences, build friendships and create positive memories outside of treatment.”
It’s your support that enable Candlelighters to keep delivering these essential services for young people going through such a difficult time.
