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Lizzie

Age? 

19

Occupation? 

Student

Your connection to cancer and/or mental illness? 

My uncle and grandmother had cancer.

Do you think that there is a stigma related to these illnesses?  If so, how can we lessen it?

There definitely is a stigma. Though there shouldn’t be. Some cancers may be triggered by certain actions of individuals but for the most part it shouldn’t be anything people have to experience. Though there should be no stigma attached to it. Society has a tendency to belittle the weak and punish and scrutinize others for faults they don’t have such as having caner or a mental illness. Sadly the majority oblige to the stigmas and further keep them alive. To lessen them or diminish them at all we shouldn’t let the stigmas continue. There are stigmas because we let them exist. We chose to let others decide what should be shameful and acceptable in society, to lessen them, a stand should be taken and no shame should be felt. Yet embraced and people should join together to cope with the pain that is usually felt.

Have you changed at all from your connection to cancer/mental illness?

Yes I feel as if I’m more aware about it. I guess I don’t take things for granted anymore. Having seen people suffer I appreciate what I have and try to embrace life to the fullest. It’s something that we all wish wouldn’t exist but if we ever encounter it we should be strong and face it with our heads held high.