Two-Time Cancer Survivors Who Met as Teens Find Lasting Love Together
A couple of two-time cancer survivors recently tied the knot after more than a decade of knowing each other. The U.K. couple is perfectly matched, as they each have a deep understanding of what the other has gone through. The story couldn’t be sweeter.
Two-Time Cancer Survivors Find Lasting Love
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Liv Shaw and her new husband, Sam, first met when they were just teens. Right away, she was drawn to his humor. A few years later, she saw him again at another teenage cancer event.
“We were both involved in speaking about body image following treatment at the conference a few years later, and Sam got involved in a charity fashion show that I’d been involved in,” Liv recalled.
They started dating at that time and got married in Las Vegas last year.
Young Married Couple, Who Survived Respective Cancer Journeys, Met When They Were Teens: ‘We’ve Never Looked Back’ https://t.co/VXtfRiMO95
— People (@people) July 12, 2026
Sam Became a Rock Through Liv’s Second Cancer Diagnosis
“Sam has been an absolute rock throughout my second cancer diagnosis and subsequent LFS diagnosis,” Liv says. “Sam can find laughter anytime and always knows how to lift my spirits and support me.”
Liv admits she tries to live a normal life. But to be 29 and have gone through two different cancers is very unusual. She was born with a genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), which significantly increases the chances of cancer in both childhood and adulthood. She developed bone cancer at age 14 and had to have most of her right leg amputated.
Liv Shaw Uses Her Story to Give Others Hope
Then, when she was in college, she had a cancerous tumor removed and eventually had both of her breasts removed to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
She now shares her experience to raise awareness and advocate for early cancer detection.
“Using my voice to make a positive difference gives me strength and knowing that there could be a better outlook for people like me with LFS on the horizon spurs me on,” she said.
It’s incredible that Liv has found this love with Sam. They share something very unique, and they’ll have a close bond because of what they’ve gone through. Congratulations to this sweet couple.
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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9
h/t: People
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/X/PEOPLE
Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.
Originally published August 13, 2026.
