The Just Because Foundation Paediatric Specialty Unit (JBF PSU) was ceremonially launched on November 14th, 2008. Prior to this, there were three General Paediatric Wards, Med 1, Med 2 and Surgical. Children diagnosed with cancer were admitted to the cubicles, which accommodated one patient only. Some of the patients at the time and their parents, were invited to the launch and they were able to tour the brand new ward. That’s when we met Zackary Ragoonath and his dad, Suruj. I overheard Zac saying to his dad, “I wish I had one more treatment, so I could be on this ward, just one more treatment dad”. His dad was furious. After all Zac, who was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LL) at the age of 8 years old had just completed two years of treatment.
*T-cells (a type of immune system cell) Most T-cell lymphomas are non-Hodgkin lymphomas. There are many different types of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.
All parents look forward to the day when their child’s treatment ends, but what Zac saw was a brightly coloured, child-friendly, brand new ward for children with cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Here is part of Zac’s journey in question and answer form that led him to a career path that is absolutely no surprise.
Zac, what do you recall about being sick and hospitalised?
I remember being in the hospital just watching movies all-day and lying down. On the surface, that doesn’t sound too bad but it was still not enough to fill the void of not being in my own home and with my friends in school. I remember days where I’d be in pain because of treatment, or the times when people would come to cheer me up and I’d have to help cheer them up instead when they saw me. The hardest part of it all was not having the normal life I had once enjoyed. It was not easy at all, being in that state. It felt as though life was going on outside of those hospital walls without me. But in spite of it all, I held on to my faith in Jesus and to my family, who stayed positive and comforting throughout the course of my illness.
How challenging was it adapting to going back to school?
Going back to school was in some ways easy and in some ways not. I was happy to return to school after being stuck in the hospital for so long and I was looking forward to feeling like a young kid again. But the not-so-easy part of returning to school was adjusting to a whole new class because I repeated Standard 2 and hence had to make new friends. It took some getting used to but thankfully I had a teacher who was understanding and supportive. She even briefed the class about my situation beforehand so that the environment would be as welcoming as possible. Sure, it was hard to see my friends from the previous year group be promoted without me but I still kept in contact with them. Before I knew it, I was able to make new friends in my new year group. And what’s even more special is that some of those ‘new’ friends I made have been close friends of mine for the past ten years and counting. I can boldly say we care for one another like family.
In 2010, we had our second JBF H.O.P.E Concert. (It’s our acronym for Have Only Positive Expectations) The main performers were some of our very own children with cancer, along with doctors, nurses, parents, siblings and caregivers. Noel and I co-hosted the first concert but we wanted to get as much involvement from the patients and their families as possible. It was decided that one of patients should co-host. Noel suggested Zackary. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first because I saw him as shy and soft-spoken. Much to my surprise he was the perfect co-host for Uncle Noel. He was brilliant, charming, funny, very engaging and handled the microphone like a professional. True saying, “Never judge a book by its cover”. Zackary owned the stage that night.
Mr. Ragoonath (Zac’s dad), how did your son’s diagnosis impact your family?
Zac's diagnosis and journey through the treatment for cancer had a tremendous positive impact on our family. It caused us to realize how fickle and unpredictable life is and we therefore had to adjust our priorities. The experience pushed us closer to God and as a consequence helped in developing our trust in God. We have also learnt to appreciate others when they suffer.
Zac, what would you say to children who are currently going through treatment?
To the kids undergoing therapy right now, don’t lose your smile and your joy. The world around you may seem bleak and you may feel like your days are numbered, but keep smiling and believing in the goodness that still lies in the world. Laugh with the ones you love, support and uplift those who need it even when you may need some upliftment yourself. Keep planning and dreaming of your life after therapy, because every reality begins with a dream or an idea. Pray, Pray, Pray. God may not change your circumstances but He will use your circumstances to change YOU.
Zac, what are you doing now and what are your plans for the future?
At present, I’m pursuing a Bachelor Of Medicine, Bachelor Of Surgery degree from the University of The West Indies to fulfil my goal of becoming a medical doctor. On the social side I am passionate about music, in particular singing. I sing a lot just for the enjoyment I get. I sing at church where I am member of the choir and a Youth band called Cross Culture. I have been invited to sing at several weddings also.
Zackary
We are not surprised at Zac’s career choice and the fact that he loves to sing and perform. All those years ago his comfort level with the mic spoke volumes. For us it’s a happy moment to know that he will walk the halls of the Wendy Fitzwilliam Children’s Hospital in a different capacity. Full circle. I’m quite sure his experience as a patient will influence his bedside manner and care for his patients. Good luck Zackary. Lift your voice and make a joyful noise unto God and to your future audiences.
Chevaughn Joseph
The Just Because Foundation is a non-profit pediatric cancer support organization in Trinidad & Tobago established by Noel and Chevaughn Joseph who lost their 5-and-a-half-year-old son Jabez “JB” Joseph to Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, after a two-year battle. They provide emotional, practical and social support for families of children with cancer at absolutely no cost.