Our children’s hospital organized a get-together for all the families of children with brain tumors. It was so nice to learn that the things we thought only happened to us were issues that all the other families were struggling to cope with. For instance, problems with reading and writing were widespread, and I just was not aware of that. I felt so much less alone. It opened another door for us.

• • • • •

After I survived cancer in my teens, I became an outsider. I looked at life in a completely different way. I just couldn’t relate to other teenagers. I felt like I had the mind of an 85-year-old woman. What saved me was the close friendships I formed with five other teens on treatment at the same time as I was. I’m the oldest now at 21 (5 years off treatment), and the youngest is 17. We all survived, and we talk all the time. They have been my biggest support. Even our parents are close.

I had neuroblastoma when I was 9 months old and leukemia when I was 3. In my teens, I just wanted to move on. In my 20s, I concentrated on career and relationships. In my 30s, I wanted to give back. So a friend who is a medulloblastoma survivor and I started a group called Rebounders for adult survivors of childhood cancer. We connected a group of survivors from the ‘60s and ‘70s generation. Some of the group’s members had pretty much had their social abilities wiped out. So we all gathered and talked for an entire weekend. We have an active group, and some people’s social abilities have increased tenfold. I also sit on several committees to advocate for survivor needs. We distribute brochures and a newsletter. We organize fundraising events.

I personally hate the politics, but my friend is the goal setter. His motto is, “Nothing can’t be done.” We are now working to create a long-term follow-up package for our province. We hope to have a clinic, a book on how to take care of your healthcare needs, and a traveling medical passport. My work for survivors has been a very satisfying achievement.

After Paige was diagnosed at 6 months old with retinoblastoma, it was 2½ years before we met any other cancer families. Her first treatment was surgery, then we went home. We were a family that fell through the cracks. It was a terrible loss. That’s why I volunteer so much with Childcan (organization in Ontario, Canada), because I am concerned that no one else fall through the cracks. You need to meet other families to feel normal. It lifts a weight right off your shoulders.

I had both eyes removed in 1956 to treat my bilateral retinoblastoma. Until a year ago, I didn’t know any other survivors. I was a little ignorant about it. I happened to be on an Internet list for the National Alliance of Blind Students and a young lady said, “Hey, I’ve got retinoblastoma and am going to start a list. If you are interested, join me.” So I did. Ever since I got on the list, I’ve learned so much. I’m very glad. Now I am cognizant of the possible secondary effects, and I am so thankful that I’ve finally run into people who make the whole thing real.

The BMT-TALK discussion list [ www.acor.org ] has been my main lifesaver. When you get home there is nobody else to talk to who understands. I felt very isolated until I found the list on the Internet. It does have a downside—you can’t get away from the BMT experience and you hear about all the relapses. But the upside is that whenever anything happens or I have a question, I post a question and one or more people have had that experience. When she had the kidney problems, there were people who knew all about it. When she needed hormones, there were lots of people who had already been through that. It helps to keep me from panicking to hear that those things are common.

I still know a couple of kids who had treatment at the same time that I did. I used to go to support group meetings. I’m off it now as I get ready to start high school. I have mixed feelings about these meetings, as sometimes they are helpful, but at other times it gets kind of annoying to go there and reflect on the past. Every time I had to tell my story, and I’m tired of telling my story. I want to solve problems by taking action rather than talking about them.