Matilda and Rosie-May spending time together at home.
"BECAUSE OF YOU, I HAVE COMMUNITY, SUPPORT AND KINDNESS WHEN I NEED IT MOST".
Meet Rosie-May, 20, whose younger sister passed away from cancer.
When I was 10 years old, my whole world shattered. My little sister Matilda was only two when she died from an aggressive brain cancer. For months before her diagnosis, she’d been unwell, and we were in and out of hospitals without answers. Then, suddenly, there it was, ATRT brain cancer with tumours down her spine and brain. Just two months later, she was gone.
I was 10 years old at the time and couldn’t understand that she was never coming home.
After she passed away, I didn’t know how to feel. I was angry, confused, and felt like nobody around me really understood what I was going through. It wasn’t until years later, with Canteen’s support, that I learned grief looks different for everyone.
Matilda and Rosie-May spending time together at home.
When I was 15, the sadness started to feel too heavy to carry on my own. I remember sitting at my computer one night, searching for anyone who could understand, wondering if others like me were out there who’d lost a sibling. Were they feeling alone, too?
That’s when I found Canteen Connect, and within minutes, I was chatting with a counsellor online. For the first time, I didn’t feel so alone. There was finally someone who understood my feelings and helped me understand them.
Because of your kindness, I’ve been able to access this life-changing support.
Not long after, I joined Canteen’s Sibling Circle, a group just for siblings of young people with cancer. We talk about our family, share memories, and help each other through the tough days. It’s where I met some of my closest friends and other young people my age who just get it.
Thank you for making this possible.
Rosie-May and a friend at a Canteen event.
Losing Matilda was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I miss her so much and the fun we’d have together. We loved listening to music, singing and dancing around the house. She loved chocolate mud cake, and I remember having it on her last birthday. I still miss doing that each year when her birthday comes around.
I miss Matilda every day, but I’ve found a place where I can share my memories of her, and my sadness, without feeling alone. That means more to me than I can say. Thank you.
– Rosie-May