In 2009, when I was 18 years old, two weeks after the HSC,  I was diagnosed with cancer. 

Needless to say, it came as a shock to everyone. I had lived a normal and healthy lifestyle.

Two days after I was diagnosed, I had intense stomach surgery to remove the tumour, and I also started on chemotherapy tablets to remove any lingering cancerous cells. I have been told that it is likely to return, but hopefully minor.

I'm on a type of chemotherapy, tablet form, called Glivec. 18 months on I am feeling 100% and more. I have travelled around Europe, and started university this year, and even though it held me back for a while, it hasn't bothered me since!

Because of this, I've had to take a gap year before university but I'm still going next year.

I've recently come back from Europe with some friends, so cancer hasn't slowed me down one bit! If I can do it, anyone can!

Someday a cure for cancer will be invented, I hope that day to come sooner rather than later.