26-Year-Old Graphic Designer Opens Up About Cancer Battle And Support From The MCCF
As the Christmas season reaches its peak, so do the last-minute preparations for Malta’s highly anticipated fundraising event of the year: l-Istrina, organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund. Donations continue to play a crucial role in funding the treatment of Maltese and Gozitan patients, consistently proving to save lives and support numerous families during challenging times.
Meet Cheyenne Muscat, a 26-year-old Graphic Designer who experienced the positive impact of these donations when she unexpectedly faced a cancer diagnosis and turned to the Malta Community Chest Fund for assistance. At 23, Cheyenne was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after initially consulting her doctor about allergies. “He felt a cyst on my neck immediately, which raised his concern. He stressed the importance of getting an ultrasound and a biopsy, leading to my diagnosis,” she explained.
“All I remember is that I felt like I was going to faint for a second and I heard my mother ask the doctor what the next step should be. I remember the day, time and everything, but that moment was a whirlwind of emotions because I felt like my life was over”. Immediate surgery was recommended to remove her thyroid glands. “The recovery in the hospital took longer than we expected due to some complications. I underwent the radioiodine treatment procedure for the first time, which was challenging”. A year after the procedure, during retests, doctors found traces of cancer in Muscat’s neck and lungs. “Unfortunately, despite undergoing additional treatment, it wasn’t effective, so it’s something I have to come to terms with.”
Asked how the Malta Community Chest Fund supported her during this time, Muscat expressed that she has no words to convey the immense gratitude she feels towards the volunteers and administrators of the MCCF. “Their support and courage are more than helpful to get you through. The way they speak to you and welcome you with open arms is something else. It would have been much more difficult financially without help from the MCCF. Treatment is very expensive, and unfortunately, without their help, you wouldn’t be able to get the treatment you need”.
She also expressed how before this experience, she was familiar with the MCCF’s work. “As a family, we donated to l-Istrina every single year. We always donated from the heart and we never knew we would one day need the funds ourselves”, she insisted.
A cancer diagnosis is distressing at any age, but being diagnosed in your early twenties can be especially disheartening when you have a multitude of dreams to pursue. Cheyenne offers some advice. “There will be ups and downs. You will have days when you feel like you can conquer anything and days when you feel you cannot do a single thing. Please push through those days. You will get better and you will feel better. I promise!”.
L-Istrina, organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, will air on Boxing Day, the 26th December, between noon and midnight on all local television stations.
“Your donations, no matter how big or small, can make a huge difference for someone else’s health. Thank you for helping me and others who needed some sort of treatment. Your donations can save our lives!”
Are you ready to make a difference?