When Josh was 18 months old, his mum noticed his glands were swollen. She took Josh to see a doctor and they noticed his liver was also slightly enlarged. After further investigation Josh was diagnosed with liver cancer.
Gruelling months of treatment kept Josh alive but left him frail. A third of his liver was removed. He was declared in remission 6 months after his diagnosis, but the potent medicine that destroyed the cancer also strained his body.
From toddler to teenager, Josh’s adolescence was defined by ‘otherness’, saying “I felt like I was from outer space.” The chemotherapy had damaged his immune system leaving him vulnerable to illness. His constant sickness impacted his ability to attend school impacting his education and causing issues with attendance.
Gruelling months of treatment kept Josh alive but left him frail. A third of his liver was removed. He was declared in remission 6 months after his diagnosis, but the potent medicine that destroyed the cancer also strained his body.
From toddler to teenager, Josh’s adolescence was defined by ‘otherness’, saying “I felt like I was from outer space.” The chemotherapy had damaged his immune system leaving him vulnerable to illness. His constant sickness impacted his ability to attend school impacting his education and causing issues with attendance.
“I needed a support network, something to rely on while the rest of my world was in turmoil. I’d been pushed so far down by cancer that I needed the shoulders of a giant to stand on if I ever wanted to level the playing field.” - Josh
And that’s where Canteen came in. Josh made friends through Canteen’s youth leadership program that he still connects with today. Canteen provided Josh with the strength and support to share his cancer story with his peers, which turned into opportunities to speak on the news and reach out to other young people. Josh said, “Canteen supported my family and me in some of our darkest moments, and the time I’ve spent in leadership has offered a foundation of skills and experiences that I draw from every day.”
“Canteen‘s has allowed me to develop the skills that enable me to contribute to the workforce just like everyone else. My cancer experience has left me with empathy, mindfulness, and the ability to smile through it when times get tough, and thanks to Canteen, I’ll be able to demonstrate those skills at a job that I love. So just know that every donation to Canteen is priceless to the young people who you’re supporting.”
“Canteen‘s has allowed me to develop the skills that enable me to contribute to the workforce just like everyone else. My cancer experience has left me with empathy, mindfulness, and the ability to smile through it when times get tough, and thanks to Canteen, I’ll be able to demonstrate those skills at a job that I love. So just know that every donation to Canteen is priceless to the young people who you’re supporting.”
"Dyeing my hair for Canteen’s Big Bold Hair Challenge was such a bold and brilliant experience! Every time I catch my reflection, it’s a fun reminder that I’ve done something meaningful and a little unexpected. If you’ve never dyed your hair before, this is the perfect reason to go for it. Make a statement, spark some smiles, and support young people impacted by cancer like me!"
Join Josh this Big Bold Hair Challenge and stand in solidarity with young Aussies impacted by cancer.
