Carys’ story

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re handing over to young people who know its meaning best. Throughout the monh, we’ll be sharing the stories of children and young people, giving them the opportunity to communicate what this month means to them.

“Hi, my name is Carys and I’m 13-years-old. I wanted to share my story this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month because I know how important it is for people to understand what kids like me go through.

“Back in December 2022, when I was 10, things started to feel really strange. I wasn’t my usual happy self, I was moody all the time, I was arguing with my parents and I just didn’t feel right. Mum thought it was hormones at first, but by January 2023 things got worse. I was sleeping loads, barely eating, and my stomach started to swell. When the doctor asked for a urine sample, my wee was bright orange, like Fanta. After they examined me I could tell by their face that something wasn’t right.

“I was sent straight to the hospital, and that’s when we found out I had ovarian cancer. At 10 years old, I had to learn about the reproductive system way earlier than most. I had a massive germ cell tumour on my right ovary, it was 17cm x 9cm and so big it had pushed my organs out of the way and even affected my lungs. I collapsed just walking to the doctors.

“The next few days were a blur. I had a Hickman line put in and started four rounds of chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour before surgery. I was terrified. I was so worried about losing my hair, about looking different to other girls my age.

“In May 2023 I had a five-hour operation to remove the tumour and my ovary. I now have a big scar across my tummy, but I’m proud of it, it shows what I’ve been through. I missed most of year six but managed to go back for the last four weeks and even got to go to prom. On the 1st of September 2023, I rang the bell and started high school. I was nervous because my hair hadn’t grown back yet, but I just wanted to make friends and move on.

“Then, in November 2023, a scan showed something on my other ovary. I was devastated, thinking I’d have to start all over again, but luckily it turned out to just be hormonal. In December, I got the best Christmas present ever. My nurse, Vicky, phoned to say growth was gone. It felt like a Christmas miracle.

“But in March 2025, my worst nightmare came true. I relapsed, this time with sarcoma in my pelvis and abdomen. I was crushed. I had six rounds of chemo again and in August I had a four-hour operation to look at the disease and take biopsies. Right now, we’re waiting for results and to see what happens next. The doctors even talked about a full hysterectomy, which is scary to hear when you’re only 13.

“The last two and a half years have been so tough. I’ve missed so much school and so much of just being a kid. But I’ve also learned how strong I really am. My tummy is covered in scars now, but they tell my story.

“This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I want to say to every young person fighting cancer, or who has fought it, you are strong, you are brave, and you should be so proud of yourself. No kid should ever have to go through cancer, but if you do, know that you’re not alone.

“Thanks to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, I’ve never had to be afraid, they’ve been like family to us. And the support from other parents, our ‘rainbow family’, has kept us going. It helps so much knowing we’re not on our own.

“I’m really hoping to go back to school in year nine after Christmas. For now, I just want people to know, childhood cancer changes everything, but it doesn’t define who we are.

Love,
Carys