In the heart of Anchorage, Carey Carpenter is making waves by transforming her personal battle with cancer into a beacon of hope and community for others experiencing the same challenges. Her story, characterized by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering spirit, is the centerpiece of our Aurora Changemaker Spotlight—a series dedicated to honoring individuals making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
Carey’s life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with stage 2B cancer at the age of 34. A civil engineer by profession, she was navigating life as a mother of two young children, balancing projects in rural Alaska. This unexpected twist steered Carey into the grueling world of medical treatments that lasted over a decade.
Spanning surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term medications, her treatment journey was anything but easy. Yet, it was through this experience that she discovered a profound need among young adults facing similar medical battles.
While undergoing chemotherapy, Carey often found herself surrounded by patients much older than her, creating a sense of isolation. Determined to bridge this gap, she became inspired by a New York-based podcast that offered comfort and camaraderie to young adults with cancer. Fueled by these connections, Carey sensed an opportunity to cultivate a support network for young adults like herself in Anchorage.
In 2011, she took the first step by facilitating informal meet-ups for young adults affected by cancer, fueled by nothing more than a homemade flyer and the support of local nurse navigators.
Despite the fledgling days before the ubiquity of social media, Carey successfully gathered individuals who understood her struggles—uniting them in a safe space for shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
This grassroots endeavor evolved into the Anchorage Young Cancer Coalition (AYC), a thriving community where young cancer survivors gather every month to participate in both serious discussions and light-hearted activities; from sharing cancer experiences to simply talking about their dogs.
The group offers members a rare combination of support and normalcy, which can be hard to find in conventional settings. Through AYCC, Carey offers a crucial message: at any stage of their cancer journey, young adults can seek support and find a comfortable, welcoming community.
Today, Carey Carpenter stands as a pillar of strength, not only for her recovery and survival but also for enriching the lives of countless others facing their own cancer battles. Her heart of compassion and background as an engineer allow her to bring both sensitivity and a problem-solving mindset to her mission. Carey’s story exemplifies the power of turning personal adversity into collective empowerment, creating enduring ripple effects for those navigating the turbulent waters of a cancer diagnosis.
As Carey beams with gratitude for life’s milestones, like watching her children grow and graduate, she remains a steadfast reminder of the power of connection, kindness, and courage in the face of life’s trials. She teaches us that even in darkness, there can be light, and it is often ignited by the simple act of showing up, reaching out, and choosing to care.
