Crystal Marshall, 23, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in her face when she was 18-years-old. At the time she was studying performing arts and felt that her dream of becoming an actress and working in the theatre was over.
After undergoing chemotherapy and operations to remove the tumour, which left her with changes to the right side of her face, Crystal thought she would never be able to act again. However, fast forward 5 years and she is at LAMDA drama school in London, well on the way to a distinguished acting career. She starred in BBC’s ‘Face It’, a monologue exploring life with a facial difference ( BBC iPlayer - Culture in Quarantine - Face It - Leonie) and has very recently had her first big theatre appearance. The first time Crystal showed her face to people outside her family was during her audition for drama school.
Crystal is determined to advocate for better representation of visible facial differences on screen and in theatre not just using a pity or villainous narrative and aspires to help others who have facial differences realise they can still have the confidence to fulfil their dreams.
Welcome to the Move Against Cancer Podcast.
This podcast aspires to support and inspire people to move, exercise and live an active and fulfilling life despite a cancer diagnosis. We share the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
We know that many people are scared to stay active during cancer treatment. We know that for some, cancer can take away the hope that comes from dreaming of a future. And we know many people diagnosed with cancer feel isolated and lonely.
We hope that by sharing the stories of others finding their own way through cancer, the Move Against Cancer podcast will provide hope, support and a sense of empowerment to anyone living with or beyond cancer.
Unfortunately, cancer will affect everyone either personally or through our loved ones and so whatever position you are in we hope you will learn and be inspired by our podcast. Thank you so much for listening.