From cancer survivor to advocate for a healthier tomorrow

She takes a deep breath and braces herself before stepping onto the podium, ready to share her story with a crowd at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Mattel Children’s Hospital. Sophomore Angela Mei Teng Unayan is a cancer survivor, and her journey has transformed her into a passionate young health advocate. 

At 14 years old, Angela was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and began treatment at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital in June 2023. Her treatments included several chemotherapies and a left distal femoral resection and reconstruction. She finished receiving chemotherapy in January 2024.

While attending most of her freshman year online during treatments, Angela’s interest in spreading more information about childhood cancer and gaining more funds towards researching it was sparked.

“What I’m trying to advocate for is for more awareness of childhood cancer because I see myself going through that and I’ve seen so many other kids who are younger than me in the hospital and it breaks my heart,” Angela said. “They either have no clue what’s happening simply because they’re too young or their parents don’t want to give them the full story because it could be too much to handle.”

Vocalizing her cause and ideas isn’t something she does alone, however. Angela works alongside peers with similar objectives as a youth ambassador for the American Cancer Society (ACS). She’s spoken twice at the Hyundai Hope On Wheels event, an organization that fundraises for the research of childhood cancer treatment options, and hopes for more people to hear her. 

“[ACS] talks about the different things that can cause cancer, things like tobacco, cigarettes, or environmental factors,“ Angela said. “The whole goal of [ACS] is to help the adults behind it spread it to our age group because often we don’t think about it, but really, a lot of reasons for cancer are influenced by choices you make today. By knowing what those environmental damages are and protecting yourself against those things, you’re trying to lower it.”

Along with cancer awareness, Angela also seeks to address general health issues. Whether it be regarding physical or emotional health, Angela is concerned about the wellbeing of everyday people and is determined to help her community.

“People should listen to their body because we as a society nowadays tend to push ourselves beyond our limits for the sake of competition, to get the certain job you want, to get the certain university you want, to get into all those things,” Angela said. “And so sometimes we overlook our own health for the sake of being number one or achieving a certain goal.” 

Angela’s experience as both a survivor and a promoter displays her optimistic and empowering mindset. Her family is full of support for her mission and the person she is growing into. 

“Angela is a strong-willed child.  She’s full of positive energy and unbeatable spirit to fight against all odds despite the adversity,” Mei Teng, Angela’s mom said. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s still vulnerable but she perseveres despite all odds. She definitely makes some positive impact on people around her.” 

A lot of what Angela does involves speaking in front of big crowds, conversing with medical professionals and participating in public campaigns for cancer awareness. For many, it may sound like a complete nightmare, but for Angela, it’s no sweat. 

“Speaking is my bread and butter; it’s not difficult for me and I love doing it. And one thing that makes it so easy for me to advocate about something is because I’ve experienced it. It’s something that I’m passionate about so I don’t think there are any difficulties. It’s just really figuring out how to get people to listen—that’s the hard part,” Angela said.

Throughout her battles with cancer and trying to make her voice heard, Angela’s perseverance and determination continue to fuel her. Her experience as a speaker and cancer survivor has taught Angela a lot about herself and the world surrounding her. 

“Try and process through your hardships. Know that it’s okay and that life isn’t the easiest at times but know that you have to continue on. Don’t let yourself stay in the same spot because staying in the same spot is equivalent to going backwards since you’re not going anywhere anyway. So always try to move in one direction,” Angela said.