The Teenage Cancer Trust unit became my sanctuary. When I first arrived on their ward from the intensive care unit (ICU), I felt overwhelming relief. Gone were the endless machine beeps and harsh lights; instead, the ward had an atmosphere that felt far more like home. The staff became my lifeline, understanding both the medical and emotional toll. Padma, the youth support coordinator, organised activities like pizza nights and even a music session that brought out the real “me”, which my parents hadn’t seen in months. In a space designed for people my age, I felt seen and valued. Isolation was one of the hardest parts. For days, I barely saw anyone other than a handful of nurses. At times, I felt like I was fading, not just physically, but also mentally. The hospital psychologist became essential to help me face the uncertainty and understand that my emotions were valid. Having someone outside of my family to talk to lifted a weight off my shoulders, especially as I was worried about burdening my parents. I’ve …