So, I find myself here (in the blogs!) for the first time after ten years of saying goodbye to a rare bone cancer.
Before I even get into the who’s, what’s and when regarding my cancer story and everything else, I wanted to celebrate my highlights of 2021:
Qualified coach
After years of mentoring and coaching business start-ups, individuals and cancer patients, in the first lockdown I decided to complete the life coaching course that I had previously started. Just relieved this is finally off my list!
Cancer coach facilitator
In February I became a cancer coach facilitator for an amazing charity called Cancer Support UK. I facilitated two six week programmes this year where I led and supported cancer patients following their treatment. This programme is so rewarding yet comforting to see and being a part of each participant’s journey. I feel so blessed to be chosen to take part in this project. I’m looking forward to running more workshops in the new year.
Ten years cancer free anniversary
September was my ten years cancer free anniversary. Every year I celebrate this either privately or socially. I knew I would not be able to do anything this year as I was just getting over Covid and now having to deal with long covid. I woke up feeling a little disheartened, until I went onto social media. I could not believe my eyes! There was a post on the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s page with my name as a nominee for an ambassador award. I screamed and my son came running into my bedroom. All I kept thinking was they must be wrong, who me, little me!
I cried so many tears of joy for the following reasons:
I adore this charity so much. They have shown me nothing but love since the day I reached out to them and started raising awareness.
The fact that I kept this anniversary quiet this year and receiving the announcement on the actual anniversary day felt so emotional. If you told me this was going to happen ten years ago, I would say it is a lie!
Overall, im just so humbly honoured and will continue to support my bone cancer community, who I call ‘my rare gems’.
Bone cancer conference
I was over the moon when asked to share my cancer story for the Bone Cancer Research Trust Conference. It was recorded via video before the event and I thank Jo (BCRT Support Officer) for her patience whilst recording take after take, after take! In between takes there were giggles, laughter, me not looking into the camera and almost making Jo cry!
On the day of the conference when my video was being shown live, my 7-year-old daughter decided she did not want to watch it and would rather watch the live storytelling event instead. I know she was thinking ‘I’ve heard this all before - not hearing this story again!
BCRT nominee for ambassador award
“Charlene Young: For her contribution to improving the outreach of the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s Support & Information Service to all communities”.
This event was also a celebration and showcase of 15 years of research for the BCRT, which took place in Leeds. This would be my mum’s first trip to a hotel. Yes, I know - over 60 and has never been to a hotel in her life!
Whilst getting ready at the hotel and at the actual event, the number of malfunctions behind the scenes just kept coming:
My poor mum had such a bad toothache I almost thought she was not going to come. Although she was in a lot of pain, she still managed to compete with the other tables banging her spoon as loud as she could and singing the wrong words to ‘Sweet Caroline’ as though she was at a concert. Plus, she had a situation going on with her tights and shoes, which required many trips to the bathroom.
I left my bra at home that matched my evening gown. Decided to buy one but did not fit. I had to wear a scarf with the dress to try and disguise the bright cream bra that was constantly out of place.
I ran out of time to do my hair so ended up just putting it in a ponytail – nothing new there!
The skirt part of my dress kept moving upwards, so when seated I had to use the table cover to disguise my knickers from being on display.
And last but not least my chronic pains wanted a piece of the action, by fighting for my attention too (as always).
Was it all worth it - yes it was!
Although I didn’t win this award, I enjoyed and celebrated the evening with my bone cancer family, seeing Jo for the first time and meeting the legend known as Pete Lloyd (former bone cancer patient and my twitter buddy).
I returned home to receive a handmade award made from toilet roll (and whatever else she could find) being presented to me by my daughter! This is now on display on my bedroom wall (see image below).
Goodbye 2021
Out of a difficult year of losing loved ones, family and friendship groups tested, ongoing health conditions, I am still standing. So, for this I am extremely grateful and looking forward to continuing my advocacy work to improve the lives of cancer patients and to help challenge health inequalities in 2022.
I Am Charlene xxx