My friends get to go to school every day and think about their school work, their sports games or hanging out and all I can think about every day is my dad.  Although I have the best friends, they really can’t understand what it’s like for me.  My dad passed away on March 30, 2024 after fighting cancer for two years. 

I had the idea to start a group for kids who had parents on a cancer journey over a year ago. I was in the car with both of my parents driving back from one of my basketball games.  It was one of my only games my dad could go to that year because he was too sick.

At the time, I wanted to start a group because as a kid who’s had both parents have cancer – it is a lot and I don’t know anyone like me.  I wanted to meet other kids who understand what it’s like to have a parent with Cancer.  I was young when my mom went through cancer.  I remember being scared and didn’t want to talk about it.  She’s a survivor and I see how she connects with other people who also had cancer and how she helps them now! Now, I am starting this group so I can meet kids like me, who lost a parent to cancer.

This group is a way for kids like me to meet and connect. It doesn’t have to be related to talking about cancer but I think it’s important because a lot of kids may think they are alone but they aren’t. I promise there are other kids who have gone through similar things to you and hopefully we can help each other.

I have known Olivia for a few years.  She’s a family friend who lost both of her parents to Cancer.  She’s also a former teacher and a teen coach.  I wish she didn’t know this feeling either, but I am excited she is able to work with me to help others.  I know my dad loved my idea and am proud to launch Teens Joining Forces After Loss.”