Name: Kat Galarnyk

Age: 21

Hometown: Calgary

What was your diagnosis? Grade 4 Glioblastoma (brain cancer)

What school did/do you attend? Dr EP Scarlett High School

What is your career goals? To become a teacher

What is your occupation? University student

Your cancer experience:

How did you find out you were sick? What led to your diagnosis? Headaches and vomiting.

What year was it? What was your age at the time? 2013; I was 19.

In which hospital were you treated? Foothills Medical Centre

At what level of education were you at diagnosis?
I had completed my first year of university.

What were your first thoughts when diagnosed?
“I Cant die! I’m to young; I’ve hardly lived!”

How did your family react?
They cried.

How did your friends react?
They cried, and things remained the same.

What is your current medical status?
Stable

What was the toughest part of your challenge?
Accepting that my life would never be the same, and watching my friends live normal lives.

What was the best lesson you took away from your challenge?
Life is short, live it to your best!

What really motivated you to keep going while you were sick?
My friends and family, and the fact that I’m still so young and have life to experience!

What are your thoughts and feelings about your illness now?
I’ve gotta live as much as I can and never regret anything.

Did you attend any support groups during your challenge? No

If you did not attend a support group, why?
I didn’t think it would help. I didn’t want to hear a bunch of other peoples sad stories about their lives getting destroyed.

How are you connected with Young Adult Cancer Canada? Facebook and website.

Are you interested in helping others facing cancer challenges? Yes.