Alyson’s Special Day story
Alyson had to give up most of the things she enjoyed in life when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 but knowing Willow had organised a trip to London to see The Lion King gave her something to focus on while she was undergoing chemotherapy. It also provided Alyson with a way to say thank you to best friend, Bryony for all her help.
My diagnosis came as a huge shock, everyone kept saying ‘it will be fine you’re too young’, but it turns out you’re never too young to have breast cancer. I am a very active person, I spend all my spare time in the great outdoors walking, caving and climbing. My diagnosis stopped a lot of this, other than the odd short walk when I felt well enough.
I found life frustrating because I could no longer do the things that made me happy and I spent lots of time feeling sorry for myself on the sofa. My friends were an important factor in helping me get through treatment. Life will never get back to how it was before, but I have learnt to enjoy different things in life and Willow has played a part in helping me do this.
I heard about Willow through the Young Breast Cancer Network, a forum where young women can talk about what they are going through. I applied for a Special Day to give me something to look forward to and focus on while going through treatment. It also gave me the opportunity to say thank you to Bryony, my best friend, for the support and help she gave me while I was undergoing treatment.
Life will never get back to how it was before, but I have learnt to enjoy different things in life and Willow has played a part in helping me do this. My Special Day will stay with me forever; it was a fantastic, unforgettable weekend
Alyson
I was told my application had been accepted when I was half way through chemo. The third dose hit me very hard and it was a very difficult time for me.
Having a Special Day to look forward to gave me something to focus on and put a smile on my face at a time when very few good things were happening in my life. Bryony and I looked forward to the trip knowing I would have just finished treatment when it took place.
My Special Day will stay with me forever; it was a fantastic, unforgettable weekend. The Lion King was amazing. I haven’t been to London since I was a child and we packed a huge amount in. We were both shattered by the end of it. On our way home, on the train, we talked about the times we had looked forward to the trip and at times how it had seemed so far away. I felt relief as it marked an end of active treatment for me.
I will never forget the gift Willow gave to Bryony and me.