Ahmedabad: When 18-year-old Shyam Rawal (name changed) appears for the last Class 12 general stream exam on Saturday, it will be the end of one big, exhausting test for him — a test that requires a different kind of spirit and grit that only a few like him possess. Shyam has been in hospital for three days for back-to-back chemotherapy sessions to beat the cancer he is fighting and will be heading to the exam centre straight from the medical facility.
Shyam was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer of the retina, as a child, which later developed into osteosarcoma or bone cancer.
Multiple surgeries and lengthy treatments undergone while fighting an unwanted guest in his body for 15 years, have made Shyam more resilient and positive. “While I may not have any option but to live with my health issues, I am determined to make the most of life. I do not know what the future holds, but for each new day, I have one mantra – however challenging the setbacks may become, never concede defeat till your last breath.”
The lion-hearted teen has refused to let the violent side effects of chemotherapy like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weakness ruin his academics. Excelling has been his habit ever since he joined school.
Constantly by Shyam’s side is his mother, a picture of strength and pride amid all the tumult she has experienced seeing her son suffer for years. She gave up her full time job as a teacher to attend to him, encourage him and in the process, also be encouraged by his determination. “It’s not easy preparing for board exams amidst chemotherapy sessions. Shyam can barely study for two to three hours, but the fighter in him gets him back on his feet and ready for any challenge without complaints,” she says.