Arisha

Arisha was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a cancerous tumour – in her left shoulder in December 2015. After undergoing chemotherapy for two months, Arisha underwent surgery, followed by a further 10 months of chemotherapy. In December 2016, she was given the all-clear.

Being diagnosed during her final year of school, Arisha assumed she wouldn’t be able to graduate – but in the face of her diagnosis, she made it her goal. She went on to smash that goal, receiving a good OP upon finishing, before getting accepted into university, where she’s currently completing her first year of Health Science.

Towards the end of her treatment, Arisha’s oncology doctor mentioned the Queensland Youth Cancer Service’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) to her, and she “immediately saw it as a great opportunity to work with other people who have been through similar situations”.

Now a YAG member, Arisha wants to give back all the support and care that she received while undergoing treatment but also to help improve services to make hospital stays even more comfortable for other adolescents and young adults.

“YAG is important to young people because it helps make hospital stays for other young patients. It’s something that’s really close to our hearts as we’ve been in similar situations and we know exactly how they feel and what they’re going through”.

Her advice for teens who have been newly diagnosed with cancer? Never give up.

“Take it one day at a time; this is a test to see how strong and brave you are. Do the things that make you happy! You are a strong and brave person, so don’t ever let anyone put you down”.

The Youth Advisory Group is made up of young people who have experienced a diagnosis of cancer as a patient, sibling or partner.