October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness and support for those affected by this devastating disease. While breast cancer is most commonly associated with older women, young people, including teenagers and young adults, can also be affected. This year, we are proud to highlight our charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, as we continue to raise vital funds to support young people battling cancer, like Amy Johnston.
Amy Johnston is a 24-year-old who was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was still in her early twenties. Her story is one of incredible resilience, positivity, and determination. During her treatment, Amy went through the emotional and physical challenges that come with cancer.
Amy Johnston’s Journey: An Inspiring Tale of Resilience
Amy Johnston, from the Wirral, was just 24 when she received her breast cancer diagnosis in May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many young people facing a cancer diagnosis, Amy had to endure much of her journey alone due to restrictions. “As I was diagnosed during the height of the pandemic, I had my diagnosis and treatment alone. I think it’s so important for everyone to have someone with them, but especially young people. It’s often the biggest thing in their life to date.”
Her diagnosis came after discovering a lump in her breast and undergoing an ultrasound and biopsy, all without the presence of family due to the pandemic. “Less than a week after my first GP appointment, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. I had to go in for a mastectomy alone, and my dad couldn’t even walk me to the waiting room. We said goodbye in the parking lot, hugging and crying.”
One of the most significant emotional and practical supports Amy received came from Teenage Cancer Trust’s Youth Support Coordinator, Franki. Although they couldn’t meet in person due to COVID-19, Franki provided crucial support through regular phone calls. “She called me every couple of weeks to see how I was doing. It helped to have someone to talk to about cancer, but sometimes I was tired of talking about it, and we’d just have a general chat. She still calls me now, and it’s nice to know I can talk to her.”
Franki also helped connect Amy to virtual sessions with other young cancer patients. These provided a sense of community and an outlet during the isolation of shielding. Amy appreciated the therapeutic activities, saying, “We did lots of craft sessions together via online calls… There was something really therapeutic about working with my hands.”
Amy finished her chemotherapy in November 2020 and, despite the challenges, reflects on the importance of the support she received, particularly from Teenage Cancer Trust. “Franki and the support of Teenage Cancer Trust made me feel less alone during such an isolating time.”
Read Amy Johnston’s full story here.
Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust: Why It Matters
This year, we’ve chosen to support Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that provides life-changing care and support to young people like Amy. Teenagers and young adults with cancer face unique challenges—be it physical, emotional, or social—and Teenage Cancer Trust steps in to ensure they receive specialised support tailored to their needs.
Teenage Cancer Trust’s services include youth-focused hospital units, specialist nurses, and emotional care programs that help young people cope with the difficulties of cancer. The charity’s mission is to ensure no young person faces cancer alone, and they work tirelessly to make that vision a reality.
Rallying Together: Our Fundraising Efforts
So far, thanks to the generous contributions from everyone, we have raised over £12,000, including gift aid, for Teenage Cancer Trust. Every penny of this will go towards helping more young people like Amy get the care and support they need, from diagnosis to recovery. But we can do more! October is the perfect time to make a donation, get involved in a fundraising event, or simply help spread awareness about the importance of early detection and supporting young people through their cancer journey.
Together, we can make a difference, not only by raising money but also by sharing stories like Amy’s to remind everyone of the power of community, hope, and love in the fight against cancer.
Charity background
The Teenage Cancer Trust is a leading charity dedicated to providing specialised care and support to young individuals diagnosed with cancer. With a mission to ensure that no young person faces cancer alone, the charity offers a range of services, including specialised nursing care, support programs, and dedicated spaces for young cancer patients.
Providing services at hospitals in our local community including The Christie, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey makes the charities important and much needed work even more special.
“We are thrilled to announce the Teenage Cancer Trust as our Charity of the Year. The overwhelming support from our staff reflects the genuine commitment of Pareto Financial Planning to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need,” said Jen Macfarlane, Marketing Manager at Pareto Financial Planning.
The partnership with the Teenage Cancer Trust aligns with Pareto’s core values, emphasising compassion, community engagement, and a dedication to fostering positive change. Over the course of the year, Pareto Financial Planning will actively collaborate with the Teenage Cancer Trust on various initiatives, including fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities.
To find out more about Teenage Cancer Trust please visit their website: https://www.teenagecancertrust.org
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