Before we talk about the book, how are you? Are you well?

I am great! Excited that it’s fall, my favourite season! It’s a pleasure to be doing this interview. Thank you!

Tell us about Would You Like Your Cancer?

Would You Like Your Cancer? is the story of my journey through cancer and recovery at the age of 17. Having just graduated at the end of June, a cancer diagnosis in August was the last thing I ever expected. I had gone to the doctor’s office for a sore throat and unfortunately, it ended up being a bit more serious than that. The book takes you through my diagnosis, surgery, treatment, recovery and gives readers a very honest look at my life during those few years.

The subject is undeniably a serious one.  However, what is the tone of the book?

Cancer is a serious topic as you said, but I tried to keep it light-hearted. I do remain completely honest about that stage in my life because I didn’t want to sugar-coat anything. I tell it like it is and the honesty may be difficult for some readers, but I have been told by many the book provides just as many laughs as it does tears.

Is it aimed at a particular type of reader?

I would say the book is for anyone fifteen and older but it would most likely appeal to the younger generation. I wanted to share my story so other young adults facing the disease could have a story to relate to and know they weren’t alone in their battle. I thought that if an individual read a story about a girl with cancer, maybe they would be inspired to write about their own experience as a way of coping. Several organizations have the book listed as a resource for young adults facing cancer but it could also be useful for parents, friends and caregivers of someone facing cancer.

What has been the most challenging part of producing Would You Like Your Cancer? – editing it, marketing it, or something else?

The most challenging part was actually writing it all down. It was mentally draining to relive the events, document them and then sort them out. I remember long nights going over notes to get them in the correct order. Eventually I had to ask my mother if my sequence of events was in fact accurate. I was quite lucky that everything else came relatively easy.

You are involved with some cancer charities. Can you tell us about them?

The Canadian Cancer Society, of course, holds a special place in my heart and I’m currently in the process of finishing up my training to become a peer-support volunteer. Also, I’m on track to become a mentor angel at Imerman’s Angels – which is a Chicago based organization that provides peer-to-peer cancer support.

I also promote cancer-related organizations on my website because we all have common goals and I love being able to help someone find the organization that best meets their needs, to name a few: Stupid Cancer, Skate4Cancer, Is My Cancer Different?, Thyroid Cancer Canada & Facing Cancer Together. 

Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I just celebrated my 25^th birthday on September 1^st. I was quite excited about turning a quarter of a century old. When I’m not working on my website, connecting with other survivors or writing articles, I actually do work! I am an executive assistant at a company that connects Canadian companies to global research and development partners. It’s an amazing place to work and they’re so supportive of what I do.

You have been described as “inspirational” by reviewers of your book. That’s a heavy burden for such young shoulders, isn’t it?

To be honest, it really is. You know personally, I don’t think I’m inspirational by any means. I was just incredibly determined to share my story and hoped that it could positively impact just one person. Knowing my story has touched individuals all over the world is mind-blowing and demonstrates how powerful social media really is. At the end of the day, the most rewarding part is receiving e-mails from people letting me know I helped them somehow or that they could relate and didn’t feel so alone.

Have you got any plans for further books?

I’d love to do a second book about life after cancer and how ‘WYLYC?’ has opened up so many doors for me. If I become really successful, I would love to write about everything I will have accomplished when I turn 50 and call it ‘Would You like Your Cancer and The Last 25 Years’

Had I never had cancer, I wouldn’t necessarily be doing all of these things. When I was first diagnosed, I thought it was a curse, now I look at it as a blessing in disguise.

Have you got a site where readers can keep up with your work?

Yes, of course! They can follow along on www.wouldyoulikeyourcancer.com. I post updates every so often about events I’ll attending or recent news. I also have Facebook and Twitter – @OfficialWYLC and @Megan_Oates – which makes it easy to individuals to connect with me.

Where can people buy WYLYC?

If they live in Canada, it’s available at Chapters in paperback format.
If they live in the United States it’s available on Amazon in eBook format. Through Amazon it is also available internationally in eBook format in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Italy, France.

Readers can also e-mail sales@wouldyoulikeyourcancer.com  for a copy. Payment is through Paypal & I do ship internationally.

What’s next for you?

I’m in the process of writing the film adaptation of Would You Like Your Cancer? with hopes that maybe one day it could be a feature film. I write for a variety of organizations about cancer and my experience in my free time and you can almost always find me fundraising for any one of the charities or foundations I support.

I also hope to get married in the next year or two and have children – they’ll be my sidekicks on book tours when I make it big!