CanTeen will host a free family fun day in Orange at Cook Park this Saturday, from 11am-2pm, particularly for anyone affected by the disease.

The not-for-profit provides support to young people aged 12-25 and their families, whether it is their own diagnosis, or that of a parent or sibling.

The day will include a giant slide, photo booth, mechanical bull, lawn games and giveaways, together with a sausage sizzle.

Among the volunteers will be Tiarni Field.

The 16-year-old has been to numerous CanTeen camps since her father was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

"We were coming home from my pop's funeral in 2014 and we were getting KFC and it got stuck in his throat," she said.

At first, the GP told him it was an ulcer, but he underwent surgery and chemotherapy in western Sydney after a second opinion revealed a cancer diagnosis.

It later became terminal and he died in 2016.

"It just came back all of a sudden," Tiarni said.

Although she has three siblings and her family has always been close, she said dealing with her father's loss was made easier by one of her teachers.

"He found out about my situation - he was part of CanTeen when he was younger and he said give it a shot so I gave it a shot," she said.

The camp in Sydney included discussion groups and social activities and she has attended another seven since.

She said she appreciated being with other people who had been through similar experiences and had made friends she did not expect, from all over Australia.

"I've learned how to tell my story more confidently and help other young people tell their story and get help as they need it," she said.

"It's helped me a lot - it's made me understand it's alright to have time to yourself to deal with the situation and what to do when you're feeling distressed."

Since then, Tiarni has become part of the youth leadership team, attending a national leadership festival with 200 other young people.

The family day is also searching for more volunteers.

To register to attend or be a volunteer, click here.

Dogs are also welcome to the event, provided they are on a lead.

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