Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity that is dedicated to providing support to young people battling has recently celebrated its 18th anniversary with keys to a brand new facility in Broxbourne. Established in 2007, the charity organization aims to give support in the way of residential retreat for teenagers and young people aged 13-24, offering them a space for respite and recovery during their cancer journey.
Unique retreat for young cancer survivors: A dream come true
This will be the only property in England that services young cancer patients on a residential basis. Roxanne Lawrance, the chief executive, said it will serve the community as a retreat and will provide young people with a place where they can connect, feel safe, and share experiences with other people who understand what they are going through.
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Chris Firmager’s mother, Debbie, and her friend Karen Millen, a fashion designer, established Teens Unite Fighting Cancer after the two met Chris, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 19. Unfortunately, Chris’s younger brother Carl also had cancer and died in Debbie’s arms in 2005.
Experiencing the life-changing loss motivated Debbie to build a center for young kids suffering from cancer to find help and support.
The charity began in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Kent but grew significantly, especially during the pandemic, as a result of virtual events. The charity now hopes to reach out to 10,000 young people in the next decade and support them in overcoming the challenges presented by their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The new property will be the first of its kind in England, designed specifically for residential stays for young cancer patients. According to chief executive Roxanne Lawrance, this retreat will be a vital resource for the community, providing a haven where young people can connect, heal, and share experiences with others who understand their struggles.
Teens Unite Fighting Cancer: Expanding reach for future generations
While the charity initially focused on Hertfordshire, Essex, and Kent, its reach has expanded nationwide through virtual events, especially during the pandemic. The charity now plans to support 10,000 young people within the next decade, helping them navigate their cancer diagnosis and treatment with greater ease.
Debbie who is also a recipient of the British Empire Medal for charity work, expressed her satisfaction for seeing her visions become a reality.
“I have wanted to create a retreat for the young people for the last 18 years,” she said. “Seeing them having such a space to stay and receive all the help they need is a huge step toward achieving my dream.”
Chris Firmager, who is now 41, recounts the strides that the charity has made and how life-changing it has been for him. He still keeps in touch with several friends from his time at Teens Unite and has pride in watching his brother’s legacy grow.
“It is astonishing to watch how much of a difference Carl’s tale has made to so many people,” Chris said.