Hi, my name is Afraz Shajahan and I am from Columbus, Ohio. As someone who’s been involved with ICAN through both leadership and creative platforms, especially as a host on the ICAN podcast, the upcoming ICAN Summit in Montreal feels like the perfect next step in my journey. Through the podcast, I’ve had the chance to spotlight youth voices and engage in powerful conversations about identity, activism, and impact, and it’s made me realize how vital these dialogues are in building global understanding. As someone who is going down the pre-dental track, attending the ICAN Summit would give me the chance to meet and collaborate face-to-face with like-minded youth leaders, and gain tools to elevate the work I’m already doing. It would be a useful skill as well to talk with medical professionals and learn about patient care and treatment.

Hi. My name is Aayush Varma. I want to attend the ICAN summit because it aligns with my passion for medicine and my future as a healthcare professional. Through my involvement with ICAN, especially the podcast where I helped share stories of young people with chronic conditions, I’ve seen how powerful patient voices can be in shaping the future of healthcare. Attending the summit will allow me to connect with other young advocates and medical professionals, learn more about patient experience, and understand how I can use advocacy and empathy in my future career. This opportunity would inspire me to continue to make healthcare more compassionate and inclusive.