For Nicole Woodfield, a cancer diagnosis pushed everything else to one side. 

Not only did she make it through treatment, but thanks to CanTeen, she also managed to make some new friends with whom she was able to share her experience.

The now 39-year-old has been busy selling bandannas at Launceston General Hospital ahead of National Bandanna Day on October 27.

She credited the national support organisation with making her feel more like herself after her diagnosis. 

“The experiences CanTeen gave me were invaluable,” she said.

“At 20, you are still trying to find your feet in the world, so a cancer diagnosis can really come as a shock.

“Being around other people who were going through the same thing and getting to do youth activities was empowering. I think it’s important to raise awareness of the work they do.”

Mrs Woodfield has been selling bandannas from the Acute Medical Unit at LGH, where she works as a nurse.

She said it had even become a family affair.

They are also available for purchase at the mall.

“My husband is the senior pacemaker technician at the LGH, so between us both we have day and night shift covered,” she said.

“As nurses we see many adult patients during diagnosis, treatment and end of life care and this event would show that we are thinking of them all while supporting the journey that some young people unfortunately find themselves in.”

CanTeen’s Bandanna Day is Friday, October 27.