My name is Jack and I am 14 years old. I am a bereaved sibling residing in Townsville. My only young sister, Amy was 7 years young when she was diagnosed with brain cancer on the 17th of December 2007 when I was only 11.

When my parents first told me that my sister has cancer, I was unsure on how to feel and smiled with confusion as it was like some sort of joke.

But then I learnt how to be strong and supportive towards my family. We went to Brisbane Hospital where Amy had her chemotherapy and radiation treatment then back up to my home town, Townsville, and practically lived with my Aunty. I had a choice either to stay in Townsville with my Aunty or go down to Brisbane to stay with my family. I made the decision to stay in Townsville to continue with grade 6 and keep away from the grief and hassle of being in a hospital. Occasionally I flew down to Brisbane with excitement to see my family which was the best feeling. When I first went to the hospital to see Amy I burst into tears seeing what it was doing to her.

After ages of chemo and radiation she had been given the green light to go home which she and I were so looking forward too.

It was a phone call from Mum while Dad and I were fishing. It was one of the only things I remember her telling me which was that all she wanted to do was play toy cars with me, which was our favourite hobby to do together. My mother found out about CanTeen and I was signed in a couple of months before my sister actually passed away after the long 16 months of treatment and suffering. She passed away on the 31th of March 2009 when she was 9.

After her death life just sank down.

I was finding it hard to cope and realised that my sister actually died and I am an only child now. My school, family and friends from school, CanTeen and Camp Quality were very supportive of me and helped me cope. It took me a while to get back on my feet and start going back to school and to realise that in CanTeen I am a ‘bereaved sibling’ not just a ‘sibling’. My cancer journey has taught me to support my family and others suffering from cancer and to be less selfish and more caring because now my sister has passed away I regret not helping out my sister and my parents when they really needed it. Now I try to be most supportive to both my family and friends who might be going through a tough time.