YACC Chats

Ainsley

Ainsley (she/her/hers) is sensitive, resilient, and genuine.

She was diagnosed at age 29 with a brain tumour in the area of the brain controlling essential life functions like breathing and heart rate. Currently in her 30s, she is out of treatment, and is focused on living with integrity and grace.

She has participated in YACC Chats since their inception along with attending Localife events in Toronto and Ottawa. Ainsley is also a part of the Insight team at YACC to share her knowledge for IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) and to support YACC in developing programming that is inclusive for young adults with diverse and intersecting identities.

Ally

Ally (she/her) is creative, compassionate, and humorous.

She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in July 2019, and is in remission as of October 2019. However, it was a long recovery process, physically and mentally.

Since her recovery, Ally has completed her Master’s thesis on a new psychotherapy for parents of children with acute leukemia at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, and University of Toronto.

Ally is passionate about giving back to the cancer community, such as through fundraising and cancer-inspired comedy. This passion also led her to volunteer with YACC for the first time. She is excited to contribute to the inclusive, safe, and supportive space at YACC Chats and help foster meaningful connections among YACC members.

Cenny

Cenny (she/her) is quiet, friendly, and curious. She is a non-fighter and non-thriver, but happy-to-be-aliver. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2016 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation until 2018 when she was declared in remission.

She wants to connect with other young adults with similar experiences and connect these individuals together to share thoughts and provide a sense of community. She’s always excited to hear different perspectives and see people come together regardless of their backgrounds and opinions.

Dani

Dani (she/her) is curious and reflective. She lives with Lynch syndrome and was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 23, which was successfully treated through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Dani initially connected with YACC in 2015 at Retreat Yourself Ontario, and has been involved in many areas of the organization, currently working as the Manager of Programs and Partnerships.

Since her diagnosis, Dani has trained as a social worker with York University and the University of Toronto, and has provided oncology and palliative social work care with Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.

As a Chat peer leader, she is passionate about facilitating spaces that are open, dynamic, and that build lasting community connections. Dani recognizes the isolation that is felt by many experiencing a young adult cancer and believes that YACC is an essential part of holistic cancer care.

Greet

Greet (she/her) is a creative, empathetic, Estonian living in Montreal. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35, and then again at 36. Greet is a carrier of PALB2 mutation, so navigating the cancer world is a lifelong journey.

She joined YACC Chats when first diagnosed and attended many online through her ups and downs. She found funny, full-of-life, opinionated, chatty people who were creating a lovely community there. She is really excited to facilitate safe spaces and for everyone to feel welcome in her chats. Greet believes the act of coming together to share our vulnerability and time together storytelling is a powerful source of healing.

Heather

Heather (she/her) is empathetic and open-minded. She has relied heavily on her sense of humour throughout her cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January 2021 at the age of 26, and is in remission as of November 2021.

Heather has recently gotten involved with the YACC community, and this is her first-time volunteering with YACC. She loves the community she has found here, and is excited to be able to help provide an inclusive, safe, and supportive space for other YACC members to connect with each other while they navigate their own cancer journeys.

Jamie L.

Jamie (they/them) is thoughtful, understanding, and perseverant. They are a young adult cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2006 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). They began chemotherapy at the age of 16 and finished their treatment plan in 2009.

They connected with YACC in 2022 when they virtually attended the Survivor Conference. From their own cancer journey, they understand that connection, community and understanding are essential in life and especially in cancer where that can be taken from you so suddenly; this is a part of why they lead these chats weekly.

Janean

I identify as a compassionate, empathetic, understanding and open brain tumour survivor, a lady who loves to make people laugh, and a passionate people person with a desire to make deep connections with others.     

Janean (she/her) is passionate, empathetic, and creative. She is a young adult brain tumour survivor. She was diagnosed with her brain tumour (which she refers to as “Chad”) in June 2021 and underwent surgery less than four weeks later. She connected with YACC shortly after her diagnosis and prior to her surgery via their online YACC Chats.

This is Janean’s first time volunteering with YACC, but she is most certain it will not be her last. The support she received from her very first chat (and all of the subsequent chats) is what has driven her to give back to the community.

Jill

Jill (she/her) is a thoughtful, adventurous, and resourceful young adult cancer survivor.

In 2016, Jill was diagnosed with Stage 2BX Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 18. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, ultimately reaching remission.

Jill recently joined YACC in 2022 while looking to give back to and connect with the cancer community. As Jill found connecting with others with lived experience was important to her own healing, Jill is excited to facilitate safe, inclusive, and open spaces where these connections can happen.

Joel

Joel (he/him/friend) is a funny fellow with much warmth in his heart.

In fall 2023, Joel discovered a new tenant taking up increasing residence in his thigh. He was soon informed that it wasn’t a new roommate but instead a myxoid liposarcoma. After a series of medical evictions (escalating to surgery!) he currently is on his path to full recovery (and back out on the hiking trails)!

When not pinballing through the medical world, Joel is a student of Psychology at the University of Guelph. Before returning to studies he spent a large chunk of his life working at a record shop and being a radio host on CFRU in Guelph. Joel’s passions lie around exploring deeper questions, creating sacred space for mindfulness practice, and fostering a gentler way of being.

Joel believes in the magic of shared vulnerability, and that despite the clumsy nature of technology there is something beautiful about connecting with others who know and share similar questions and stories. “Hullo, it’s very nice to meet you!”

Kat

Kat (they/them) is passionate, curious, and caring.

They were diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 34 in 2021 and are currently undergoing treatment. After diagnosis, they quickly connected with the cancer community for support, showing up for their first YACC event — the Survivor Conference — three months after diagnosis. Since then, Kat has found connection, support, and hope through YACC chats

Kat has loved facilitating connections by designing experiences and creating affirming spaces throughout their life. They are excited to bring this passion to the YACC community through these Chats that build the supports we need as we live with and beyond cancer.

Logan

Logan (they/them) identifies as a nonbinary childhood cancer survivor who hopes to make the world a better place by promoting connection and conversation.

Logan is a caring, creative, and thoughtful human who was diagnosed as a baby in April 2004 with stage 4S neuroblastoma and has been in remission since December 2004.

They have a passion for advocacy and have been connected previously with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) where they connected with other survivors and developed their story.

They are a recent addition to the YACC community but have attended many YACC Chats and look forward to connecting with more people during their journey as a YACC Chats leader.

Michael

Michael (he/him) is a creative, energetic, and passionate young adult survivor of childhood cancer.

Diagnosed in September 2010 with a non-germinoma germ cell tumour on his pineal gland, he underwent chemotherapy, brain surgery, and a lifetime amount of radiation to his head. He was declared in remission in April 2011. Three months later, in July 2011, he relapsed with a second non-germinoma germ cell tumour on his brain stem. Once again, undergoing chemotherapy along with an autologous stem cell transplant and pinpoint point radiation. He has now been in remission since June 2012.

He connected with YACC in 2021 through attending YACC Chats and participating in the Survivor Conference. He is now volunteering as a YACC Chat leader and a member of the Insight team.

Michael wants to leverage his experience with cancer to help support as many people as much he can.

Moji