Young people like Dan need you this Adolescent and Young Adults Cancer Awareness Week.
At CancerCare Manitoba, a specialized program is dedicated to supporting adolescents and young adults during one of the most pivotal – and vulnerable – times in their lives.
Remarkably, programs like this are made possible only through donor generosity. And young patients gain age-appropriate care, emotional connection, and a community that is needed.
Many people visit the optometrist expecting to leave with nothing more than an updated prescription, or a new pair of glasses. Dan did the same – he simply wanted a new pair of glasses to help with his computer work. Instead, he left with unexpected concerns.
In September of 2024, during a routine eye exam, Dan’s optometrist found swollen optic nerves – a condition that could be serious. Recognizing the concern, Dan was immediately sent for further evaluation.
“We want to rule out a brain tumour.”
Dan hadn’t expected anything like that. He was scared.
What followed were a series of ups and downs as specialists navigated the cause of his swollen nerves. Between scans and consultations, Dan grappled with the possibility that he might have brain cancer at just 35-years-old.
“Waiting between tests and hearing you might have a brain tumour, it was scary,” Dan recalled.
In late October, Dan’s fears became reality when his MRI results came back. A father to two young children, Dan was diagnosed with Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma – a rare and slow-growing type of brain cancer.
Fortunately, the tumour was in an operable spot. Dan’s care team began working on a treatment plan which started with surgery just a month later. The surgery was a success and after recovery, he was able to shift his focus back to his two children, and the kind of life experiences every young adult wants to have.
“You can’t even tell I had brain surgery,” Dan shared.
Although Dan’s surgery was a success, further treatment was recommended to help ensure the cancer doesn’t return. He recently started a targeted treatment that blocks the mutation of his cancer cells. The new treatment is an alternative to chemotherapy and radiation to which Dan experiences no side effects from the medication.
“It’s like living with a chronic illness,” he explained. “It’s proven to delay progression.”
Like other young people diagnosed with cancer, Dan experienced relationship changes throughout his treatment. And thanks to donor support, he was able to turn to the support of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at CancerCare Manitoba – a program designed for patients aged 15 – 39 who face unique and complex realities through their cancer experience.
Through individual counselling and peer support offered through the AYA program, Dan was able to process his feelings and fears of abandonment – or that something he did in his past, caused his cancer.
“The impact that cancer has on relationships in general, that seems to be common theme,” he shared. “It felt validating to hear that others were having similar experiences to me.”
Following recovery, he focused on living a healthy lifestyle. Running two marathons and moving forward with a clear mind. Today Dan feels healthier than ever and enjoys spending time with his children and activities they love like crafting, drawing and visiting local parks in Winnipeg.
Through it all, Dan is grateful.
“It was really helpful to get support.”
Donor generosity has helped young adults like Dan access programs designed to support their physical, emotional, and social well-being during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Yet this year — and in the years ahead — many more young people in our province will hear the words, “You have cancer,” and they need your help.
When cancer interrupts a young life, the right support can make all the difference. Please consider giving today to help make that possible for Manitobans like Dan, Emily and Loren.
Read more stories of young Manitobans whose lives were changed by their cancer diagnosis.
