My name is Sarah and I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 11. I missed my last year of primary school and the majority of my first year of secondary school, which meant I missed out on a lot of important friendships, as well as my education.
While everyone was making friends, I was unable to go to lessons incase I caught an infection or needed additional help. I was really lonely and felt like nobody really understood what I was going through.
The biggest struggle I had to overcome was learning to walk again. I completely forgot how to walk and had to retrain myself.
Before my diagnosis, I was close to swimming and playing hockey for my country, but after my operation, I couldn't walk and was in a wheelchair for over a year and had to use crutches. Still to this day I struggle to run and some days I struggle to walk.
I have been in remission for 12 years now and I'm so proud of where I am.
Teens Unite have helped me so much in becoming the person I am today. I have made so many friends with the young people I've met and the staff, who I would now class as my family. They always offer support when I need it and they sense when I'm not doing great and reach out.
When I am at my lowest, Teens Unite always manage to make things better. I'm so thankful for everything they do and I'm so glad to be a part of the Committeens; helping to provide the best possible support for other young people like me.
I needed help and that's where Teens Unite came in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason I met Teens Unite was to save my life.
With Teens Unite, I finally realised that I could climb out of this massive hole that I had been digging because I wasn't alone anymore.
If it wasn't for Teens Unite, I wouldn't be where I am now. They have been really supportive and given me the strength to push myself and not give up.
Volunteering with Teens Unite has changed my personality and outlook on life. When I hear all the amazing things the teens say about Teens Unite, I can tell they mean every word.
Teens Unite isn't just a charity to me, it was the beginning of restarting my life.
When Elliot started receiving the support of Teens Unite, I could see a change in him straightaway. His outlook on life was becoming positive again and I gained strength from seeing my little boy accepting what had happened and starting to move forward.
I needed help and that's where Teens Unite came in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason I met Teens Unite was to save my life.
With Teens Unite, I finally realised that I could climb out of this massive hole that I had been digging because I wasn't alone anymore.
If it wasn't for Teens Unite, I wouldn't be where I am now. They have been really supportive and given me the strength to push myself and not give up.
Volunteering with Teens Unite has changed my personality and outlook on life. When I hear all the amazing things the teens say about Teens Unite, I can tell they mean every word.
Teens Unite isn't just a charity to me, it was the beginning of restarting my life.
When Elliot started receiving the support of Teens Unite, I could see a change in him straightaway. His outlook on life was becoming positive again and I gained strength from seeing my little boy accepting what had happened and starting to move forward.
