Beating the Odds: Surviving Childhood Cancer and Becoming an Advocate for Others
Trent University Durham GTA student speaks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the need for continued support as childhood cancer survivors transition into adulthood
Sabrina Moreino, a second-year Child and Youth Studies student at Trent Durham GTA, wants to give back to others whose lives have been affected by cancer. She is a survivor of childhood cancer and now volunteers with the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization that supported her through all aspects of her journey.
This year, as part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Month, Ms. Moreino was invited to share her story on Parliament Hill with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and chat about how her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery have affected her life.
The hope is to inspire further research and understanding, specifically for childhood cancer survivors transitioning into adulthood. “Many people have the thought that once you are deemed cancer free, the problems fade away. This is not the case, as I still encounter many mental and physical health issues that come along with a cancer diagnosis, even eight years later,” said Ms. Moreino.
“I feel it is important to stay involved as an advocate for childhood cancer survivors because we need to increase the awareness and continuation of care for this vulnerable population,” said Ms. Moreino. “Childhood should be a time of carefree play, protected from the dangers of the world, not a time of needles, surgeries, and survival rates.”