CanTeen New Zealand

About

CanTeen supports young New Zealanders aged 13-24 living with cancer that are either directly affected by cancer as a patient, or indirectly through the diagnosis or bereavement of a sibling or parent.Visit www.canteen.org.nz to learn more.

Story

Imagine growing up in the shadow of cancer. That’s the reality for hundreds of young people throughout New Zealand.

CanTeen’s mission is to ensure no 13-24 year old will ever fight cancer alone. We support young people aged 13-24 when cancer turns their world upside down and helps them cope with the physical, emotional and practical impact of living with cancer. Living with cancer is traumatic at any time, but even more so for young people already facing challenges of identity, independence, education, relationships, intimacy and employment.

Since its inception, CanTeen has had a clear focus on the needs of young people living with cancer. CanTeen’s foundation was built upon the fundamental belief that young people – through meeting, talking and sharing their experiences – are better able to cope with the uncertainties of living with cancer.

CanTeen is about embracing life and getting on with things – helping people living with cancer continue to enjoy life and everything it has to offer.

Mission

Our mission is to support, develop and empower, young people living with cancer through a national peer support network, and high quality educational and recreational programmes.