Yaël

The little things sometimes make the biggest difference.

It's bizarre how something so drastic can affect you without any warning.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Yaël and I am 27 years old, I will turn 28 next month. A lot has changed in my life in the past year. On February 28, I was diagnosed with acute leukemia, AML. That was a moment that turned my world upside down.

What does cancer mean to you?

To fight for your life without actually realizing that something is wrong. When I was diagnosed, I had absolutely no idea that anything was wrong. It’s bizarre how something so drastic can affect you without any warning.

Cancer is a subject that many people prefer to avoid, but for me being open about it is important.

Why do you think people are afraid to talk about cancer?

I think many people are afraid to talk about cancer because they don’t want to be confronted with everything that can go wrong, either in themselves or in others. Maybe also because they have already had to say goodbye to someone or because they are afraid that old, painful memories will surface. It’s a subject that many people prefer to avoid, but for me being open about it is important.

What does a good day look like for you?

Today is a good day because I woke up. That sounds simple, but being able to start each day again, is a gift. I have a wonderful partner, who is also my best friend. He means a lot to me. And then there are my dogs, who greet me every morning with so much enthusiasm. Those little moments of joy make every day precious.

And how do you deal with a bad day?

On a bad day, I just need a hug, from my friend, my parents, or my sister. Sometimes that’s all I need to feel better. And yes, a frozen yogurt can also works wonders, haha. It’s the little things that sometimes make the biggest difference.

I really worked on developing more empathy and patience. It has taught me to live more in the moment and appreciate the little things.

What does pleasure mean to you?

Fun for me means being together with friends. Having a drink together, eating something, and just having a nice chat. Or taking a nice walk in nature with my dogs. Moments like that give me a lot of energy and let me forget everything for a while.

What have you learned after your diagnosis?

After my diagnosis, I really worked on developing more empathy and patience. I try to take the days as they come, without planning or expecting too much. It has taught me to live more in the moment and appreciate the little things.

What are your ways to unwind?

Listening to music, taking long walks, cooking something delicious and having good conversations. Especially with my sister, who is a psychologist. That comes in handy, haha. These things help me organize my thoughts and recharge.

Do you have a message for yourself?

If I were to say anything to myself, it would be to be patient. Everything works out in the end, even on the hard days. And it’s okay to look back at what happened from time to time, even if it’s tough. But the important thing is: We made it. We got through it, and that’s something to be proud of.