AYA Cancer Archives - Elephants and Tea

I am a Zebra

by Jennifer Johnson March 9, 2026

As the child of a single parent, I was raised to be a strong, independent individual who wanted to be the best possible version of myself. In my attempt at perfectionism, I had illnesses – IBS, eating disorder, anxiety, body image and acceptance issues.

Breast Cancer

by Moira Hough

We were told we had time. That day after day, Our tomorrows stretched, Like little waves under a full moon, On the deep blue ocean, Our potential lapping, At the horizon: Limitless.

A Year in “Rear View”

by Shalom Cherian

Random ramblings on a day of new significance. It’s funny how a date on a calendar changes its meaning within a year. May 23rd, 2024. The day I logged into MyChart and read and re-read the pathology reports, and knew this was going to upend all our plans and hopes for 2024.

Learning to Breathe Again

by Charlotte Bayala March 2, 2026

I have a problem. I don’t remember the final moments of my life before I became a caregiver. Most importantly, I don’t remember much about a day that changed my life. A day that changed my family’s life.

Dear Cancer, You Won’t Stop Me

by Angela Campos

I have some choice words for you. I can tell you off or tell you to go somewhere, or say that I hate you. But you’re a smug, stubborn son of a gun and don’t care. I have no choice but to fight you and go to battle.

My Invisible Illness

by Kristen Stewart

While it’s been 6 years since my emergency brain surgery and discovery of my rare brain tumor, whenever I unexpectedly hear the word cancer in the media or in a conversation nearby, I cringe. It’s a surreal reaction.

Uninvited

by Wendi Korth February 23, 2026

Dear Cancer, I never invited you in. You barged into my life unannounced, unwelcomed, and completely unraveled the world I had worked so hard to hold together.

Letters from the Light

by Michelle Lawrence

Dear Cancer, It’s been sixteen years. And somehow, you’re still here—still a hater. You keep taking from me, Stealing pieces of who I used to be.

A Shadow of My Shadow

by Annamaria Scaccia

Sept. 30, 2020. 11:30 a.m. “It’s cancer” Death, For the last five years, I have thought about nothing but death, death, dying, the act of dying

Dear Cancer: We Are Stronger Than You

by Jenny Gomez February 11, 2026

You tried to take my life away from me. From my loved ones, from my work, from my home and from my family. You tried to make me give up. You tried to defeat me.