Having rarely visited the hospital in his 14 years, A. Ashwin Kumar spent the latter half of last year there.
While his friends were actively enjoying their youth, he was afflicted by the world’s second-largest killer, cancer. Ashwin was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in July last year.
“A nodule began to grow on Ashwin’s neck as early as December 2024. However, we dismissed it as a normal sinus lump,” said his father Anand Kumar, 48. “Since my wife also developed similar lumps during her childhood, which later disappeared, we didn’t make a big deal out of it. However, that was the biggest mistake we made.”
During their holiday in Cameron Highlands last year, a driver advised Ashwin’s mother Anushiya, 38, to consult a doctor. Afterwards, they went to a polyclinic, where the doctor immediately advised them to go to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital – which caused them great panic.
“It was the most terrifying day of my life. It still haunts me till today,” said Mr Anand with teary eyes. “I was working at my office as usual that day when my wife suddenly called me anxiously and told me to rush to the hospital.
“When the doctors broke the tragic news to us, my mind went blank. I could not accept the news. Even though tears welled up , I composed myself, knowing I had to stay strong for my family.”
Even as the family was devastated, Ashwin displayed remarkable mental strength, which surprised him. “I am generally afraid of even the smallest insects. But when I was diagnosed with cancer, seeing my mother cry, I stayed strong to comfort her,” Ashwin said.
Mr Anand said: “We were all crying, but Ashwin did not shed a single tear.”
Aside from his courage, Ashwin also harboured a deep curiosity to learn about the disease. Having had an ambition to become a doctor since childhood, he had many questions about cancer and its treatment.
“I learned a lot during the treatment. However, getting through the treatment period was extremely difficult,” he said.
Undergoing chemotherapy for five months, Ashwin noted that his body felt completely exhausted after each treatment session, even though he did not feel pain. Due to the chemo, Ashwin faced much difficulty with vomiting and urinating.
“I would constantly feel nauseous, but would be unable to vomit. When urinating, the pain would be excruciating. There were many such complications,” Ashwin said.
Seeing him lose his hair and look frail due to the chemo tormented his parents. During such difficult times, Ashwin’s friends stood firmly by his side.
“My friends came to visit me at the hospital once a week. They would stay in touch with me via video calls when lessons were going on at school. Because of that, I did not fall far behind in my education,” he pointed out.
Ashwin, who is currently in Secondary 3 at Victoria School, excels academically despite the ordeal he has faced. Mr Anand said that Ashwin’s school and the Children’s Cancer Foundation gave vital support.
Although Ashwin has now recovered and returned to school, that period left a profound impact on his family.
“Back then, it felt like we were waking up just to go to the hospital. It was cruel and painful. But, because of it, we have now grown closer as a family,” said Mr Anand. “Previously, I would cite work as an excuse and didn’t spend time with my children. But now, I have realised that nothing is more important than them,” he said.
Ashwin has now resumed his favourite activities, including singing in the choir and playing football with his friends. He aspires to become an oncologist to help others who are affected by cancer, just like he was.
