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.

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.

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.

Jason

Jason (he/him) is a young adult cancer survivor and patient. Diagnosed in February of 2022 with Stage IIIC colon cancer, he underwent bowel resection surgery and chemotherapy at the age of 34.

He connected with YACC in May 2022 as he started navigating life with cancer. Since then, he has been an active YACC Chats participant. Seeing the value that peer support has provided along the path so far, he has an interest in ensuring that other YAs living with cancer are supported along their paths.

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.

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.