Katie & Alex
Katie’s friend Alex was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged just 20 years old. Katie reflects on Alex’s resilience, her amazing achievements and the joy and love she shared with her friends and family.
My friend Alex
Alex was just 20 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer on 17 March 2023. She had been born and raised in Peru, later moving to New York with her mother before deciding to pursue her dream of studying abroad. In 2022, she came to the UK to study Fine Art and Design at Lancaster University. She was ambitious, talented, and full of dreams.
For someone so young, the news was almost unthinkable
Her first symptoms began with persistent back pain, which was initially thought to be caused by posture or flat feet. By February 2023, Alex developed jaundice, and after pushing for further tests, she received the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For someone so young, the news was almost unthinkable.
Alex was determined to keep moving forward
Alex approached her diagnosis with extraordinary courage. Before starting chemotherapy, she bravely chose to freeze her eggs, facing difficult conversations about the future with remarkable strength. Even in the midst of treatment and uncertainty, she never lost her kindness, humour, or passion for art. She was a source of inspiration to everyone around her.
Despite the challenges, Alex was determined to keep moving forward. She worked tirelessly and, in an incredible display of resilience, graduated with First-Class Honours in Fine Art and Design. It was a moment of pride that reflected her determination to live fully, even in the face of cancer.
Alex also found love and deep friendship during her time in the UK. She met Dylan, her boyfriend, who supported and cherished her through the most difficult times. She built strong friendships at university, becoming a beloved part of her community. Those bonds gave her joy, laughter, and comfort even as her illness progressed.
Alex with her family and friends
She was facing the end of her life
In August 2024, Alex was told the cancer had spread to her liver and small bowel. It was now stage 4 and terminal. At just 21 years old, she was facing the end of her life. Through it all, she continued to think of others, sharing love, hope, and light with those around her.
Her final wish was to return home to Peru, where she had been born and raised, to spend her last days with her family. Because of her fragile condition, the only safe way to travel was by medical air ambulance. Her friends, family, and community came together to fundraise, determined to help make her wish a reality. The outpouring of support showed how many lives she had touched.
Pancreatic cancer never took away her spirit
On 14 September 2024, Alex sadly passed away in Peru, surrounded by her loved ones. She was just 21 years old.
Pancreatic cancer took away Alex’s independence and the future she deserved, but it never took away her spirit. She is remembered as a vibrant, talented, and loving young woman who faced unimaginable challenges with courage. Her story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, research, and early detection of this devastating disease.
By sharing Alex’s story, I hope to honour her memory and to show the world the strength, love, and light she carried with her to the very end.
September 2025
