Living with an illness
Starlight Children’s Foundation
The Starlight Children’s Foundation aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill youth and their families through a range of programs focused on lifting spirits.
Their online community, Livewire, connects you with other young people living with serious illness, chronic health conditions, or a disability.
Within this safe online space you can:
- create your own blog
- chat with other young people who have the same condition as you
- play online games with other Livewire members
- read the latest Livewire news and interviews.
Diabetes
Living with diabetes shows you how to continue doing the things you love. Find everything you need to know, including:
- types of diabetes
- how to look after your body
- how to manage drinking and big nights out
- travel tips
- exercise to improve your condition
- how to manage your diabetes when you move out of home
- food and nutrition advice.
Cancer
Being diagnosed and living with cancer can be a scary thing to face. While cancer mainly occurs in adults, young people are living with cancer too—you are not alone.
The organisations below help connect young people living with cancer, and offer plenty of information and support.
CanTeen
CanTeen is an Australian organisation for young people aged 12–24 and living with cancer. Join CanTeen to access:
- factual information about cancer
- practical advice on dealing with and understanding the physical and emotional effects
- inspirational stories, events and programs to get involved with.
If you have a brother or sister with cancer, you can join as a sibling member.
Camp Quality
At Camp Quality where laughter is the best medicine, you’ll find some information about cancer and a lot of information on the importance of having fun. Programs include:
- recreation—free camps and fun days for you and your family
- family support—friendly help and a supportive environment for families
- hospital visits that help spread laughter and optimism
- education about the challenges of living with cancer.
Through a range of camps, fun days and fundraising events, Camp Quality focuses on creating optimism and happiness for you and your family.
Helpful resources
If you need to talk to someone phone Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use their web counselling or email counselling services.
