Teen Ellie takes on the Teens Unite Fashion Show

"I have been involved with Teens Unite for many years and they have been so supportive and continue to do so today. The charity has helped me through my cancer journey and I was so excited to have been asked to be a part of this fashion show again. Here’s how the night went..."

 

 
"Flashing cameras, huge cheers and beautiful outfits were worn by the models, as they strutted their stuff on the catwalk for the Teens Unite fashion show on Friday 18th March. Teens nervously took to the stage to raise money for Teens Unite, and wore a range of gorgeous designs from Hidden Closet."



"I was a model on the night and had an absolutely fantastic time as the audience were so appreciative by cheering us on as we stepped onto the stage and all the models were so lovely and friendly and formed a close bond backstage. All the outfits were so beautiful and the make-up artist glammed us all up, which made us feel like real models for the night!! The guests really enjoyed the event as they were entertained by a wonderful musical performance, enjoyed a lovely three course meal and the opportunity to win fantastic raffle prizes, bet in the auction and play games. The evening was hosted by the beautiful Casey Batchelor who did a great job entertaining. Overall, the event was such a success as it raised so much money for Teens Unite and everyone had such a wicked night. Roll on next year!!!" 
 

 

Teen Leanne shares her story at the Teens Unite Fashion Show

Teen post by Leanne Cresswell - http://www.leannecresswell.com

"On Friday the 18th of March, I had the pleasure of attending Teens Unite Fighting Cancer's Fashion Show, an evening which saw a three course dinner into the night, with a variety of exciting entertainment too! The main entertainment was all about Fashion, as some of the very brave Volunteers and Teens supported by the charity, took their glammed up selves to the Catwalk to strut their stuff! Needless to say, I wasn't modelling for the show, I mean lets be honest with my luck, I would have ended up tripping over my own two feet - a complete Danger zone! However, I was given an amazing opportunity to share my story and carry out a speech before the Fashion Show took place.

Personally, I have always been a fairly confident yet awkward person in general. People seem to say I come across as an overall confident person, yet deep down, I am actually very shy and it may take a while for me to break out of my shell. I've never really had a problem with presenting in front of people or speaking out aloud, but when you narrow it down to a speech about a personal experience of battling Cancer (with feelings and all) in front of maybe a little more than 150 people, it's completely daunting and usually I would much rather let someone else do the talking. But it's something that I just couldn't say no too - I was so determined! What a great opportunity to be able to talk about a Charity that has helped me so much through my Cancer Journey!

I wanted the speech to include a little background information about my life before Cancer and the feelings I felt when upon receiving diagnosis. It's strange because I am the type of person that can write about how I feel with no trouble, but reading feelings out aloud is a completely different story. I struggle. But I managed to include some little bits, which then lead on to the main points of the speech which for me was the most important part. I wanted to show how Teens Unite have made a massive positive impact in my life. I included my favourite days out that I have had with the Charity and I really hope people could see how much of a positive effect that the charity has had upon myself and many other Teens that have once battled or are currently battling this awful disease."



"On the night, founder of Teens Unite, Debbie, introduced me to the stage and then it was all down to me to say my bit. I thought I would be a lot nervous than I was, but once I started, it flowed through (I hope). It was a little bit of a blur and I can't remember if I was pronouncing my words right, but my main aim was not to think. Over thinking would lead to all sorts of disasters so I was pretty happy that I felt relaxed. Another Confident issue achieved thanks to Teens Unite. Before I knew it, my speech was over and I was so glad that I agreed to speak aloud, it was so worth it!

After my speech, the lovely host, Casey Batchelor introduced the Fashion show and the fun had begun! It was amazing to see how excited all of the models backstage were before it was their turn to walk on the catwalk. It was also inspiring to see a few Teens that are supported by the charity also take part, some being extremely nervous as they were out of their comfort zone, yet did amazing as well as everyone else who took part! Along with the Fashion Show, we were entertained by brilliant dancing from Kelsey who actually is extremely modest about it (haha!) and live music was also filling the room throughout the night."


"I'm extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to share my story during the event and I can't thank Teens Unite enough, for giving me opportunities which have encouraged me to just say yes. It was such an enjoyable night which managed to raise an incredible amount of nearly £8000. From what it seems, everyone else had a blast too!"

Louis shares his story

"I’ve always been healthy from a young age, playing football twice a week as well as dance classes three or four times a week. No-one in my close family has ever had a cancer diagnosis and I didn’t know enough about the various types so I never thought it would happen to someone like me at my age, especially when I was training at the top dance college in Europe and so would presume I was much fitter and healthier than average. Turns out, no matter how healthy or fit you are or think you are, whatever your family background, cancer takes no prisoners.
Fortunately, I am completely over my illness and am 8 months in remission, currently continuing my Musical Theatre training at Laine Theatre Arts, feeling better than ever.

So, how did I find out I had cancer? - I originally started feeling a bit ill in October 2014, but only flu-like symptoms, nothing major, so I didn’t think anything of it. I was over the worst of the symptoms after about a week but I still couldn't shake the cough. I saw my local GP in Epsom who diagnosed me with a chest infection after feeling a small lump on my neck. She suggested it was the start of glandular fever and prescribed me with penicillin as well as a note telling me I wasn’t allowed to dance or sing…not ideal when that’s what I do all day."

"The college suggested I go home back to Hertford to recover so that’s what I did, except, I didn’t really recover at all. I had an allergic reaction to the penicillin, sending me to A&E where the first of many tests were done. Blood test after blood test, week after week, no results were showing up as to what it could have been so I was sent to have a PT scan at the start of December. The results came back later that day and that’s when I was told I had a type of Lymphoma. A type of blood cancer.

Of course it was a shock to hear and something me or my mum definitely didn’t want to hear, but in a way, it was good that they finally worked out why I was as ill as I was, it explained the symptoms; night sweats, chesty cough, itchiness, tiredness, among the standard flu-like symptoms. So the ball was rolling and I was referred to UCLH where more tests were done to see what specific type of Lymphoma I had. Finally in January, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with CD20. Which in summary means, all the symptom’s of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a symptom of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. So the chemotherapy treatment I received, was ABVD(R) - the R, being what treats the dysfunctional Non-Hodgkin’s cell. It’s all a bit confusing to explain but when you hear it every week when receiving the chemo, it gets a little easier to understand!
My chemo lasted for just over 7 months, I had a two week delay due to some poor decision making by me which put me in hospital for 6 days, but that’s a different story."



"As a young person (13-24 year old) who receives a diagnosis, we also receive a lot of information on various charities out there that help support people during and after their treatment. I was given information about Teens Unite, who are based in Broxbourne who I’d somehow never heard of. They are an amazing charity that organise and run days and events throughout the year for young people affected by cancer. You meet other young people in similar situations to you and do it in a fun environment, not just in hospital. Various events I’ve done with them include Go-Karting, watching the ATP Tennis Finals at the O2 (in a suite) as well as seeing a handful of West End shows, of which a few of my friends were in.

The charity isn’t just there for these events, it’s also there to have someone to talk to or socialise with. A lot of the time, going through a cancer diagnosis can make you feel quite isolated and leave you unable to socialise with your friends the way you normally would, and people get a bit awkward when it comes to talking about cancer as they don’t know how to. TeensUnite organise these days so that you don’t have to think about it, everyone there either has cancer or has had it so it’s ‘normal’, it’s not usually a topic of conversation. You also get to meet other people and find out their aspirations and goals and how they’ve coped with it which can be quite inspirational.

I still have over two years left to join in with TeensUnite events but even after that time, I will always stay in contact with them to keep up with their progress as a growing charity as well as giving them mine as a performer. Hopefully one day soon, they’ll be organising a group trip to see me in a West End show." 

Anita shares her story

On 2nd December 2015 I was diagnosed with stage 2A, grade 3 Breast Cancer.

My family and friends were very upset as it was completely not expected, especially as we were originally told that it was nothing and no cause for concern. My fiancé has been distraught and my mum and dad are very upset. My friends have been so sad and are constantly in contact.

I was only 1.5 months in to my new job in London when I had my diagnosis. I was studying for my CIPD HR Management level 5 degree in the evenings too. I was recently engaged, and my fiancé and I has planned to go to Iceland in March 2015. We were planning on getting a mortgage in 2016, and hoping to get married in March/April 2017.

It was initially hard to tell the story over and over but I didn’t feel like I was talking about myself. I still haven’t really processed this is happening to me and I don’t feel this is real and they have it wrong.

 
I had a right side mastectomy at the start of the year, and I have just begun my chemotherapy treatment. At the end of the year I will have a DIEP reconstruction and eventually a possible second mastectomy.

Despite going through such a difficult time, Anita says;

I am so motivated to become ‘me’ again. To be that happy, go easy person who is grateful and loves seeing others happy. I have learnt to live every day and enjoy each moment.

 

I am only at the start of my journey but I hope to attend more Teens Unite events so I have something to look forward too. It is lovely to see that they are there to help young people have things to look forward to rather than hospital appointment after hospital appointment.

They help me make friendships with people in similar situations and help me feel ‘normal’ again rather than the person with cancer. I hope that other’s going through similar situations find Teens Unite, as they are a charity that gives them hope, support and things to look forward too. They help people to feel how they want to feel rather that how people expect them to feel. That they can speak to people, young people, who have fought cancer and see the positive outcomes.

Teens Unite are a charity who understand and don’t treat you as just another cancer patient, they treat you as a unique ‘normal’ young person who needs some positivity and cheering up so they create fun filled days and a wide network of support.

 

“From sharing my story I hope to raise awareness. I am 24, I have no family history of breast cancer and I ignored my lump for 2/3 weeks. The doctors, consultant and even radiologist said it was nothing sinister and is likely fatty tissue of dead blood cells. No one thought it was cancer, when the biopsy confirmed it, even the specialists were shocked. Just because you are young, have no history and think it surely couldn’t be you, but it could.”

Living With Grace

In July 2013, at 21 years old, Grace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

She said “I became very exhausted over a few weeks, was rushed into the special unit at St George’s where I was to stay until March, and then treatment continued until the first months of 2016. Blood tests showed my cells shooting out in an immature oval shape and chemotherapy started straight away. I suffered very badly from all the side-effects of the drugs and left hospital in a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again.” 

Grace has always had a positive outlook on life, however whilst fighting her battle she wanted to use her experiences to help others who are experiencing similar journeys. With the assistance of her mum, Nicola they set themselves the challenge of creating a way to reach out and help.

That’s is when ‘Living With Grace” was born!

The companies creative duo say “We help people to live with grace through difficult times with the support of useful products, books, information and apps.

Products that are suitable for sensitive skin, sore mouths or to soothe heads after hair loss and keep the confidence up. Tips we took a while to discover and found terribly useful. 

Our aim is to do things differently and be that helping hand that not everyone finds that easy to come by.” 

Please take a look at Living With Grace here;

Chloe shares her story

"My name is Chloe, and I am 17 years old. In August 2013, at the age of 14, I was diagnosed with stage 3a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Before my cancer diagnosis I was like many other 14 year olds – going to school and spending most my time with family and friends. However, in July 2013 I found a number of large lumps in my neck. After seeing a nurse and being prescribed antibiotics for what they thought was just a ‘string of swollen glands’, the lumps never seemed to go down. As my family became more and more concerned, my parents booked me another appointment at our doctor’s surgery. However, this time I saw a different nurse and their response to the lumps was totally different – I was soon referred to a doctor, and then to the ‘ears, nose and throat’ department at our local hospital. This is where I had a biopsy and a number of different scans and blood tests which confirmed our worst fears – that I had cancer.

In September that year I started my treatment at a specialist hospital in Sutton, named the ‘Royal Marsden’. I underwent four months of chemotherapy, and eleven sessions of radiotherapy. I lost all of my hair and suffered from a number of side effects including tiredness, and occasionally sickness. I found it very hard to come to terms with my new appearance, particularly because of the hair loss and weight gain that came with the steroids I had to take whilst on treatment. On Valentine’s Day in 2014, I was then told the amazing news that I was in remission and no further treatment was needed.

I continue to go for check-ups and chest x-ray’s at the Royal Marsden every few months. This is where I came across one of Teens Unite’s leaflets. I took a leaflet home and read about all of the exciting events and opportunities they provide for young people with cancer, and decided to sign up. I can honestly say this was one of the best decisions I have ever made! After signing up to Teens Unite, I received a call and was soon invited to all of the fantastic outings they had coming up.

Ever since then I have attended so many amazing events - from theatre trips, beauty days, and mother’s day teas, to residential stays and outdoor cinema nights, to name just a few! Teens Unite have provided me with so much support and opportunities to meet others in similar situations – creating life-long friendships, and not only have they supported me but they’ve supported my family too by holding events like siblings days. They’re like a second family to me and I cannot thank them enough!

At the moment, I’m still doing well and am back to good health! I am now studying A Level Health and Social Care, and Psychology at college and plan to go on to University to study Social Work."

If you would like to bravely share your story like Chloe then please email teens@teensunitefightingcancer.org for more information. 

Freya heads to Twickenham!

We are really fortunate to be donated sporting tickets from our supporters. We are donated Arsenal tickets to most home games and receive other various tickets throughout the year.

Last weekend, we were kindly donated rugby tickets to see England vs Ireland at Twickenham. A huge thank you to Simon at St James Wealth Management for kindly donating these tickets to us and for your continued support.

“Thank you so much for the rugby tickets. I had so much fun! I took my dad with me as he loves rugby! I have always wanted to see England play at Twickenham ever since my dad introduced me to the game. I started playing rugby at university and love playing too. I even had Chris Robshaw visit me in hospital so to see him play live was incredible. The seats were in prime position, we had great seats to see the England try’s! We even stayed longer to watch the first half of the Women England team take on Ireland too! The whole evening was such a good experience and I enjoyed everything England winning was a bonus! So thank you again Teens Unite for making one of my dreams come true you guys are amazing! Please say a massive thank you to the supporter who donated them.”

Jason Derulo Concert with Teens Unite

  

 

Teen post by Kirushni Nadarajah - http://kirushniscancerstory.blogspot.co.uk/

 

"Hi everyone hope you're all well!

Sorry that I have not posted in ages I have been so busy with my new job and studying for my degree it has been a  little bit hectic! Now that I have entered the 'adult world', my routine has changed massively compared to when I was at school and  I am living a busy schedule of balancing work ,studies  and having a social life! Even though I am powering through a busy schedule I am well in myself and enjoying a new chapter in  my life!

In todays post I thought I would share with you guys a very exciting experience at the 02 watching Jason Derulo with Teens Unite, a charity  that is close to my heart. I have mentioned Teens Unite in my previous posts but for those who do not know, Teens Unite is a cancer charity that supports teenagers across the country who are either still on treatment or in remission by running regular  events which give the  teens the opportunity to meet and share exciting experiences with others who are in a similar situation. I have been supported by Teens Unite for over two years now and I have attended some incredible events, made life long friendships and created unforgettable memories.

Last  summer I went on a activity stay in London with Teens Unite. Throughout the week we took part in a range of incredible activities such as; go ape, pizza making  and a sports workshop with Olympian Jade Johnson. I cannot express how amazing this week was,  it was not just the activities that topped off the week it was the friendships and memories that were created. Teens Unite have organised a reunion week in the Easter holidays which I am looking forward to! It was so lovely to be reunited with the other teens I have met in events like the activity stay at the Teens Unite Christmas Party.

I was very lucky to receive VIP tickets to watch Jason Derulo live at the 02 in London. I was so excited to see one of my favourite artists let alone having a  VIP box with a luxury sofa to chill on whilst eating chocolate donuts! I had an absolutely incredible night dancing and singing  away to Jason and it was so good to be reunited  with and meet other teens! Thank you so much Teens Unite for giving the opportunity to see one of my favourite artists live and Dean for the access to the VIP box.

 Thank you so much for reading,

Kirushni xxx"

Who are the Teen's Team?

Name - Lauren Thomas

 

Position at Teens Unite - Teen’s Coordinator

Lives in - Ware, Hertfordshire

Favourite Teens Unite memory- Our Formal Dinner at our residential stay last year, seeing everyone come together and celebrate an amazing week

Teens Day you’re most looking forward to this year - Our Reunion Week at the end of March

Interesting fact - In May 2015 I completed a sky dive for Teens Unite! 

“After working for Teens Unite for nearly 3 years, I have met so many amazing and inspirational young people who motivate me to keep doing the work that I do. My role is to organise all of the teens days, residential stays and hospital visits plus create an exciting and fun calendar of events for all of the young people who we support to enjoy.” 

Name - Georgia Sorrell

Position at Teens Unite - Teen’s Support Coordinator

Lives in – Thorpe Bay, Essex

Favourite Teens Unite memory - Listening to some of the teens sharing their stories at ‘An Opulent Tale’

Teens Day you’re most looking forward to this year - The Activity Stay and the Reunion Week

Interesting fact - I’ve worked in 11 different countries

“Teens Unite supported me throughout my entire battle with cancer, and it means the world to me that I can now give something back by working for them. My role is to contact all of the new teens who sign up, and try and get them along to a day. I also help Lauren to organise the days and attend them regularly.”