I began chemotherapy in January 2025 and am still undergoing treatment, with surgery planned ahead. My journey isn’t over yet, but I’ve already experienced how deeply cancer can affect a young adult’s life — your plans, your identity, your relationships, and your sense of normal.

Through it all, I’ve been fortunate to be followed at the MUHC by an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and staff who have made this process more manageable and compassionate.

The Jackie Aziz Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at Cedars, also known as JAX, has been such a meaningful part of this experience. Through their events and community, I’ve connected with other young adults facing similar challenges — whether they’re fellow breast cancer thrivers or navigating other types of cancer. There’s something incredibly powerful about being seen and understood by people your age going through the same thing. The support JAX offers is real, it’s human, and it makes a difference.

Through this experience, I’ve lost a lot, but I’ve also gained perspective, resilience, and a new love and appreciation for life that I didn’t have before. Going through cancer so young is hard, but it’s also life-changing. To anyone facing something similar: keep going. Take it one step at a time. You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone.

Thank you to the JAX team at Cedars for everything you do.