From http://www.stratfordpress.co.nz/news/brave-teen-speaks-up-to-help-others/1559265/
Stratford High student Heather O’Neill is one of a number of young New Zealanders sharing their journey with cancer in support of CanTeen’s Bandanna Week.
The 17-year-old was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma four years ago. She says she acts strong, but is very easily affected.
“I am a very cheery person and it takes a lot to put me down.”
But, she says the first year was especially tough.
“I had a lot of trouble with fear of relapse and being judged for my obvious scar.”
She says she leant on her brother, Dylan, and friends, as she didn’t want to burden her parents.
“At this stage I now have to be strong enough to tell my story.”
She says she has received a lot of support from CanTeen.
“CanTeen supports us young people that are old enough to be told what is going on but still need the support to fully understand. CanTeen helps us in so many big ways, like workshops that help us deal with the grief and providing activities and camps to help us meet other people who know exactly what we are going through.”
She says she agreed to be a role model, wanting to raise awareness for other patients to get support.
“If I have to put up with a few minutes of stage fright in order for a CanTeen member to get the support, then it is definitely worth it.”
Heather says she is in remission and her check-ups are now only two or three times a year.
Bandannas are on sale $4 each to September 30 .
Donations can be made by visiting www.canteen.org/donation or calling 0900 4 CANTEEN.
