Meet Amelia Deane, a 20-year-old from Ireland with a passion for art, adventure, and making the most out of life. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L) at just 4 years old, Amelia’s experience has shaped her creative and resilient spirit. From crafting and baking to paddleboarding and travel, Amelia’s passions keep her inspired and grounded.

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi my name is Amelia Deane, I am 20 years old, and am from Ireland.

What was your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with A.L.L (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).

Can you tell us how and when you found out about your diagnosis?

At age 4 just as I was starting primary school I started showing signs of being unwell, usual things like a cold, bruises, cough, and nose bleeds. My family were worried about me as I was not getting better with any medications given to me by the local doctor. One night I was particularly unwell and luckily my next door neighbor who was a nurse came and checked on me, to instantly say that I should go to the hospital. After a long night of tests and examinations, they came back with the news that I did have cancer so came my diagnoses in 2009.

What motivated you to become a part of EU-CAYAS-NET, and what does it mean to you?

I was motivated to join a larger community as a cancer survivor who is dealing with long-term side effects from cancer treatment. Being from Ireland there is a small community of survivors, over the years working with PANCare on such things I came across the EU-CAYAS-NET and loved that there were so many survivors out there living similar lives as me. I hope to meet lots more survivors and continually be informed on new information that can make a benefit in my life. I would also like to give back and be a part of the larger change happening in the cancer survivor world.

How has cancer changed your perspective on life?

Cancer has changed my entire life, being diagnosed at such a young age the only thing I know is the repercussions of cancer. It has taught me many things in life, specifically that anything is possible, that although something traumatic has occurred in my life there are many positive things I can get out of it.

What helped you during the treatment process?

What helped me through treatment was the presence of my family always and anything creative (art, music, and movies).

What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a young cancer survivor?

I wish more people understood life after treatment.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I spend my free time mostly crafting and doing art, when the weather’s nice I love to go paddle boarding.

What’s on your bucket list? Is there something you’re dreaming of doing or accomplishing?

My one and only thing on my bucket list is to travel the world and learn everything there is to be learnt, next stop Croatia.

How do you unwind? What helps you relax and de-stress?

I love to bake for my family and friends, trying out new recipes to help me de-stress.

What personal goal are you working towards next?

I’m currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree working specifically on social sciences. I hope to complete a masters degree next year in Art Therapy.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for the relationships I have in life with my family and friends, as they continue to support and be there for me for whatever may come in my life.

What app do you use the most on your phone?

I use instagram the most as i can keep in touch and see what’s going on in my friends lives.

What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone? Tell us why it’s a must!

As I’m a lover of all I’m going to recommend a book, movie and artist that i love. Firstly a book I would recommend is the Perks of Being a Wallflower, yes it does have some sadness in it but the overall feeling behind it is that of hopefulness. Secondly a movie more like a trilogy I would recommend is Pitch Perfect as it has everything you look for in a movie: new beginnings, friendships and music. Lastly the artist i would recommend every single song of is Hozier, Irish native like me is a master of words and sound.