We are Ali and Shell, two anal cancer survivors who are loud, proud, and completely finished with the silence.
When we were diagnosed, we quickly realised that anal cancer is a profoundly lonely corner of the world. Not just because of the brutal treatments, the life-altering side effects, or for some, adapting to life with a stoma. But because the very name of our cancer makes people freeze. It feels too awkward. Too intimate. Too much information.
So, women stay quiet and we minimise our pain. We carry it privately.
The Brave Behinds exists to change that.
We are creating a dedicated, safe, and fiercely supportive space for women affected by anal cancer - and only anal cancer. A place where there is NO SHAME, NO AWKWARD SILENCES, and NO NEED TO HIDE.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, recovering from chemoradiation, navigating the terror of recurrence, or supporting a loved one, you are welcome here. You don’t need the “right” words. You don’t have to turn up polished, positive, or sorted. You just have to show up as you are.
What We Are Building
Our immediate first step is launching a monthly, online support space led by lived experience. These won't be clinical appointments - they will be informal, honest sessions where women can connect, share advice on every aspect of anal cancer, from diagnosis, treatment, to life in remission, and talk about the things most people avoid.
Our ultimate goal is to register as an official Community Interest Company (CIC) in early 2027. But to get there, we need to build the foundation.
How Your Donation Helps
We are fiercely committed to keeping our support sessions 100% free to access. Women fighting this disease have enough to deal with. Your donations will directly fund our practical start-up costs, including:
- Credibility & Safety: Website hosting, independent domain names, and secure, official email addresses.
- Protection: Professional safeguarding support and policy creation to ensure our space is legally and emotionally safe.
- Branding & Community: Creating a logo, factual resources, and FAQs for the women googling for answers at 2am.
- Accessibility: Ensuring our sessions can scale and reach isolated women, starting in the UK.
There is absolutely no pressure to donate. But if you can chip in - even the price of a coffee - you are directly helping a woman feel less alone today.
If you can’t donate, please share our page, or reach out if you have skills, advice, or time to collaborate.
Thank you for backing the squad.
Ali & Shell x
Co-Founders, The Brave Behinds