Sophia's Story
My name is Sophia Loizia and I am 17 years old, I was diagnosed with a blood cancer called Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May 2008. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
At the age of 16, I was told that I had 'Cancer', a word a girl my age wouldn’t even think about. However when I was told the first thing I thought about was “oh no, I am going to lose my hair”, I remember just crying about this every time I looked in the mirror. The hospital reassured me that I would be given a hair wig that would be funded by the NHS. I received my wig as soon as I decided to shave my hair off.
Even though I was very grateful for this wig, I hated it. It was itchy, it would make me sweat a lot and it didn’t look like my hair. That is when Teens Unite got in touch with me. My consultant had wrote them a letter and explained that my wig from the NHS was depressing me and that I went from this bubbly, smiley girl to a girl who lacked so much confidence. Within a month I was chosen to have a Hair System from White Cliffs. This company specialise in hair systems for people with hair loss or conditions such as alopecia. Teens Unite decided to fund the whole hair system and as soon as I received my hair system I was smiling again. I started to go out again and socialise with friends, something I stopped doing once I lost my hair.
As well as funding my hair system, Teens Unite called me up on many occasions and offered me box tickets to concerts such as Kylie Minogue and Pink. On both occasions I took close friends who also enjoyed the events. When I was ill, it was so lovely to be invited to events I probably wouldn’t have gone to otherwise, they took my mind off of things and made me feel normal. I have Debbie, the donator’s and all the people who work so hard at Teens Unite to make such events and outings possible to thank for that.
I am now in remission and have been since November 2008. However Debbie and Teens Unite haven’t forgotten about me, they still call me up and invite me to various events and ask how I am doing.
Having Cancer has made me appreciate life more; I have matured due to the fact that I had to grow up very quickly. Since being in remission I have done various projects for cancer charities and recently went to the Houses of Parliament for a meeting with local MP’s to help pass a Health and Education Bill. The Bill was passed and due to this Bill being accepted the Government have promised to do something about the lack of support in schools for children with serious medical problems such as Cancer and Diabetes. I also hand delivered letters that were written by children with cancer to Downing Street and met Gordon Brown.
Teens Unite have inspired me to do more things like this for charity, they made my experience with Cancer the best it could have been and to this day I am so thankful for all their hard work, support and dedication throughout and after my illness.
Thank you
Company Limited by Guarantee Number: 06111574