Ceinwen Giles' life was forever altered when she was diagnosed with stage four cancer just weeks after giving birth to her first child. Her harrowing experience not only challenged her physically and emotionally but also forced her to reevaluate her career and family plans. Yet, through her resilience and determination, Giles emerged from this ordeal with a renewed sense of purpose, finding a fulfilling new path that allowed her to support others facing similar challenges.

Overcoming the Unimaginable: A Mother's Courageous Battle

A Shocking Diagnosis and a Premature Birth

Giles' journey began when she was hospitalized during her pregnancy, experiencing swollen legs and high blood pressure. Despite these concerning symptoms, the doctors initially dismissed them as routine pregnancy complications. It wasn't until Giles developed severe chest pain and her health rapidly deteriorated that the true nature of her condition became clear. Forced to give birth to her daughter six weeks prematurely, Giles and her newborn spent the next three weeks in the hospital, with Giles' health continuing to decline.

The Devastating Diagnosis and a Daunting Prognosis

It was only after Giles was hospitalized again with debilitating back pain that the doctors finally diagnosed her with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. The news was a devastating blow, as Giles had no prior indication that she was facing such a serious illness. Compounding the shock was the grim prognosis – the cancer had already spread throughout her body, and she was given a 40% chance of survival.

Battling Cancer During Maternity Leave

Giles had envisioned spending her maternity leave bonding with her newborn daughter, but instead, she found herself confined to the hospital, undergoing a grueling six-month clinical trial of high-dose chemotherapy. This was a profound disruption to the joyful experience she had anticipated, as she grappled with the fear of not surviving to see her child grow up.

Permanent Scars and Lasting Impacts

The treatment left an indelible mark on Giles' life, both physically and emotionally. The chemotherapy had a lasting impact on her health, affecting her fertility and immune system, and preventing her from returning to her previous career as an international development consultant. Giles also struggled with the psychological aftermath, feeling isolated and hypervigilant about the risk of relapse.

Forging a New Path: Finding Purpose in Adversity

Faced with these daunting challenges, Giles could have easily succumbed to despair. However, her resilience and determination led her to a remarkable transformation. Recognizing the lack of support and resources for younger adults facing cancer, Giles co-founded Shine Cancer Support, a charity that connects and empowers this underserved community.

Building a Supportive Community

Giles' personal experience of feeling alone and disconnected during her illness inspired her to create the very community she had been searching for. She reached out to Emma Willis, a fellow young adult cancer survivor, and together they organized coffee meetups and workshops to address the unique needs of this demographic. The overwhelming response from participants confirmed the urgent need for such a platform, and Shine Cancer Support was born.

Expanding the Reach of Shine Cancer Support

From these humble beginnings, Shine Cancer Support has grown into a thriving organization, with 17 support groups across the country, an annual conference, and a popular camping trip. Giles and her co-CEO, Emma Willis, have built a community where young adults with cancer can find solace, practical support, and a sense of belonging – something Giles herself had desperately craved during her own battle.