You're making a difference
Quinn was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour (PNET). She underwent widespread feelings of isolation throughout her cancer experience.
“I couldn’t relate to my peers anymore. After my friendship group started excluding me, I began having trust issues, which didn’t help things once I reached high school. Most break times I would sit in a classroom or a corridor by myself."
She joined Canteen at the age of 13 where she connected with others, and is now a rangatahi leader, providing peer support, and advocating for rangatahi to have access to essential support services.
Why bandannas?
Over 35 years ago, the founding members of Canteen chose bandannas as a powerful symbol to represent the profound impact that cancer has on the lives of rangatahi in Aotearoa. Over the years, the bandanna has also transformed into an iconic and memorable symbol of Canteen and our vital work. Our bandannas, initially chosen by rangatahi, have been designed by rangatahi, ambassadors and partners, for our members and supporters alike, representing the ethos that guides Canteen's work. We are a member-led organisation, and our bandannas are a physical representation of this.
