Peyton W.

Peyton was diagnosed with malignant, anaplastic ganglioglioma in October 2019—a very rare type of brain cancer accounting for only 1-2% of all brain tumors. After having the tumor removed in November 2019, Peyton underwent thirty sessions of radiation from December 2019 through January 2020 and continues having MRIs every three months.  

Peyton was referred to CanCare through the Methodist Hospital Cancer Support Group, where two group members who were CanCare volunteers spoke proudly of the service CanCare provides. CanCare connected Peyton with Link, a support volunteer who also had brain cancer. As Peyton says, "We are cancer Thrivers, so I prefer using the past tense (had)!"  

CanCare provided Peyton with valuable information and connected him with people who truly cared about his well-being. They provided the support needed to move forward with his health, especially mentally. Being diagnosed with cancer affects mental health greatly, and CanCare helped him overcome stigmas and labels through Link's amazing and encouraging support.  

Peyton remembers meeting with Link at Starbucks and sharing his story during a conversation that lasted over two hours. Link was a great listener who shared his own journey of being diagnosed with brain cancer and the obstacles he overcame. Link's positive attitude and genuine responses to personal messages provided Peyton with hope and inspiration.  

When asked about how CanCare impacted his life... Without CanCare, I think I could still be searching for someone who understands my specific challenges and perhaps still struggling with life/how to move forward. Link encouraged me to have hope despite the statistics. Our conversation was genuine and it provided me with hope. Link is a true inspiration! I am slowly learning that we as cancer Thrivers need a community that understands our challenges. CanCare provides relationship connections with people having similar experiences.  

My words to pass along to anyone facing cancer... We, as Cancer Thrivers, need a community that understands our challenges various medical tests, doctor visits, etc. CanCare promotes that we are not alone and are on this healing journey together, with our mental, emotional and physical health. I am a proud member of CanCare!