Ashtin fights daily trials courageously

17-year-old Ashtin Jawahir is a superhero, bravely fighting cancer and its ravaging effects.

Ashtin was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumour in the bone, on June 8 this year.

On June 15, a mere week after his diagnosis, Ashtin’s left leg was amputated in an attempt to stop the cancer from spreading.

Despite this, the cancer has spread to his lungs, and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy to fight this. In December, Ashtin will have his last chemotherapy session. “I was really disappointed after I was told I now have stage four cancer, which is serious,” he said.

While putting on a brave face, Ashtin’s mother, Vishma Jawahir, said her son was still learning to deal with this challenge.

“He has had some bad moments, but he has been so brave and helping me more to deal with it.” Despite daily challenges, Ashtin is determined to return to school next year and finish his matric.

“I want to be a diesel mechanic, as I really enjoy working on cars and engines. As I have only leg, I will have to learn how to adapt,” he said.

Mrs Jawahir said seeing her son so ill was heartbreaking, but she was positive things would get better.

“Life goes on and Ashtin will still accomplish a lot.”

Asthin’s sister, Litisha was devastated when her brother was diagnosed.

“I am doing my best to stay strong for him.”

“This has been a very trying time for us. A devastating time, I cannot begin to explain but nevertheless we would not have made it without the support of our family and friends,” said Mrs Jawahir.

She thanked family, friends, Ashtin’s teachers from Lincoln Heights Secondary School, as well as the Makhule cancer house in Durban and Estella Naicker from CANSA for their prayers, moral and financial support.

“And to the very kind lady who wanted to remain anonymous and assisted with a kind gesture. Bless your heart my dear, there are not many like you.”

Ashtin said if he could share one message with other teenagers, it would be one of gratitude.

“Never take anything for granted,” he advised. Mrs Jawahir urged parents never to take their children’s ailments lightly.

“When Ashtin first said his leg was sore, I thought it was growing pains, but, never take your child’s pain lightly or be ignorant. I now feel it is essential for everyone to be checked for cancer at least once a year.”

Mrs Jawahir would appreciate other parents with children who had cancer, to contact her on 079 741 8779.

“I want to talk to others who have or are going through similar circumstances.”