Jake Andrade, from Stowmarket, was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. After being treated at Addenbrooke’s and recovering twice from the disease, he says he wants to help others going through something similar.
In year 9 at school, Jake was looking towards studying his GCSEs when he became unwell. It started as a cold and developed into severe fatigue, back and shoulder pain, and breathlessness.
In March 2016 he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
"It was very scary when I got diagnosed. It was a shock for me, and a huge shock for my family too. Our whole routine changed when I began treatment in Cambridge."
Jake
After three out of four rounds of chemotherapy on the children’s ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and a bone marrow transplant in Bristol, he spent five years in remission.
“It was a good five years," said Jake.
"I was able to complete my GCSEs, A-Levels, and was studying politics and history at the University of Suffolk.”
Unfortunately, in Jake’s second year of university, his cancer returned.
This time his treatment all took place within the C9 Teenager Cancer Trust unit (opens in a new tab) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, including several rounds of chemotherapy and a second bone marrow transplant in April 2022.
Jake has been in remission for over two years now.
“The TYA team were very supportive,” he said.
“Even though I was unwell most of the time and didn't feel like leaving my room, the social zone on the ward was a good place to relax, hang out, play games etc.”
“The bed spaces were designed for patients of my age - each one had a TV, a PlayStation, its own fridge. My mum could stay with me at night too, so I had the emotional support I needed throughout my whole journey. "
“The nurses were friendly and extremely helpful and caring.”
There will be a Teenage and Young Adult Ward dedicated to treating patients like Jake in the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
The specialist ward will have nine single-patient rooms fitted with en-suites, for 16–24-year-olds. Plus, dedicated day care facilities.
Work has already begun with young adults across the East of England to design the space to improve on what we already offer.
After hearing about the plans for the new hospital, Jake said: “It’s great that it will have all those cancer specialists in one place."
"The fact that it was designed with the help of patients shows that its really putting patients first."
Jake's thoughts on the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital
Now aged 22, Jake has authored a book about his journey in the hopes of helping other people with their diagnosis.
"I feel I have something to offer wit my experience," said Jake.
"I hope to put people in the shoes of a cancer patient, but to also give patients and their families hope that it is possible to bounce back."
Jake
You can read more from our patients and staff involved in Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital by checking out the links below:
