Sarah Ferguson's Double Cancer Diagnosis Influences Her Daughters To Fight For Young Victims
The Duchess of York, nicknamed Fergie, is famous for her philanthropic efforts, including a decades-long dedication to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The foundation resonated deeply with the British Royal Family member, who continues to raise awareness for young people with cancer.
Sarah Ferguson gained her title following her then-marriage to Prince Andrew, Duke of York. She welcomed two daughters with her ex-husband, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who now support the cancer charity foundation.
Ferguson addressed her double cancer diagnosis in a recent interview, noting the heartbreaking news "felt like a death sentence." She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a single mastectomy before receiving a diagnosis of malignant melanoma six months later in January 2024.
However, the Duchess of York did not let her double diagnosis break her and channeled the negative energy into something positive. She focused on supporting young cancer victims through the Teenage Cancer Trust, which influenced her two daughters to support the charity.
She addressed her children's move to join her noble cause ahead of a joint outing with them to raise awareness for young people with cancer. "I was 63 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, and cancer at any age is traumatic," Ferguson told The Times, adding:
"But as adults, we have maturity and life experience to help us advocate for ourselves and cope with challenges. We can seek help if we need it, and most importantly, your voices are, sadly, often taken more seriously."
Ferguson, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie shall visit teenage cancer victims at a facility in London on Wednesday, April 23. The proud mother noted the outing held a special place in her heart, not only because her children supported her goal but to raise awareness for the young souls suffering.
"It's incredibly important to me to seek to amplify the voices and experiences of people with cancer who receive less attention, whose voices are not listened to, and who can be overlooked," Ferguson explained.
She noted these young victims were "consistently neglected by those developing health plans and policies." Ferguson stressed that young people, especially teenagers and young adults, were disadvantaged.
"This is because they are more likely to experience rare cancers or are too old to take part in pediatric trials and too young for adult trials," she explained. "We must find solutions to these challenges and save more young lives."
While launching the new Youth Impact Council at New York Climate Week in September 2024, Ferguson opened up about her feelings following her double cancer diagnosis. At the time, she told PEOPLE, "I think that you never really get rid of the worry about health." Confessing further, she said:
"For every sort of melanoma, you never really know where it is. You look at everything, and you're certainly more aware. It's been an extraordinary journey to have gone through a mastectomy, and then you have to keep having checks, and then you think you're going to get it again. It's a lot of very fragile mind work."
She doubled down on her health battles, paving the way for understanding the struggles of younger victims, saying: "I think that also gives me empathy to understand the fragility of the mind. A lot of young people have fragile, vulnerable times, with cyberbullying and chronic cruelty from other people."
A year before her cancer awareness efforts with her daughters, The Blast covered Ferguson's reaction to King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. She applauded the duo for being honest about their experiences, noting:
"They are an example to all families going through their own journeys of health."
Kate's chemotherapy video struck a chord with Ferguson, who hailed the Princess of Wales for her moving words. "I love how the Princess reassured everyone, saying, I'm always there for you. I love that video. It was a beautiful video with beautiful words," the Duchess of York chimed.
Additionally, Ferguson reflected on King Charles' first public appearance after revealing his cancer diagnosis. He visited the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital in London, with the Duchess labeling his move "very brave" and "very courageous."
Ferguson's sweet comments about King Charles and Kate might stem from the support she received following her second cancer diagnosis. After announcing her malignant melanoma, the monarch reportedly supported the Duchess of York by sending her a heartfelt letter.
At the time, a source claimed the move strengthened the bond between Ferguson and the King, saying: "The King and Sarah are incredibly fond of one another, and now they have bonded over their respective cancer diagnosis with an exchange of letters."
"Cancer is a wicked disease that affects so many individuals and their families, and it's clear that extra support from loved ones and the extended cancer community can help immeasurably," the source added.
Will more members of the Royal Family join Sarah Ferguson's efforts to raise awareness for young people with cancer?
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