My first encounter with Curtiun was such a memorable one. He was shy, soft spoken and very articulate. He was making beaded chains and rubber-band bracelets. I later found out he sat the SEA examination and was not surprised with the results.
JBF Talks to 13yr old Curtiun about his life as a cancer patient.
Curtiun: Last year, I passed for my first choice, Hillview College but I was unable to go to school because I found out there was a tumor on the left side of my stomach. I was later diagnosed with PNET (primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor).
At the time, I was very frightened unsure of what to think. Now, I am much braver and getting to understand what PNET really is. I know it is a sickness that requires 14 cycles of chemotherapy. I am currently on my 9th cycle. Chemotherapy makes me upset, nauseous and low but I always try my best to keep myself up. I am grateful that during the last few chemo treatments, I was able to eat and felt less nauseous.
Being on the JBF Ward does not feel like a hospital. I feel very safe and comfortable and it’s very different from other wards. It is fun making new friends and receiving things from people who visit. When I’m not warded, I am at home relaxing with my family, watching tv, and playing with my baby sister, 3 year old Curtina.
Recently, I got a surprise visit from Keshorn Walcott. I was shocked and excited to see him in person. It felt good to shake his hand and to receive a T-shirt and poster with his autograph. Keshorn knew about my love for cricket and fast bowling and when he handed me the poster, he showed me the javelin on the poster and said that even though it wasn’t for fast bowling, it can still work. I thought that was very cool of him.
JBF: What are your dreams and hopes for the future?
Curtiun: When this is over I hope to go back to school and meet new friends and continue on with life. In time to come, I would like to be a barber. After losing all of my hair, I think it will be fun to learn the art of cutting and styling hair for other people.
JBF: What advice would you give a newly diagnosed patient?
Curtiun: Don’t be scared, have faith and trust God that He will take you through this. Through prayer and strength and family, everything will be okay.
Mom: When Curtiun was first diagnosed, I was speechless. I was very confused as I did not know much about cancer. It made me feel as though I was knocked down by a bus. This was something that I never ever expected to happen. It took me a while to get to this point. The support from the JBF and other patients and families and most importantly Curtiun’s faith is what is helping me through this. He knows he is going to get better, so who am I to question anything? I believe this is just something Curtiun has to go through and in his own words, “I will be a living testimony who will be able to help other people.” This is so life-changing.
Dad: Finding out that Curtiun got sick was unbelievable. My strong, young, healthy, and handsome child was diagnosed with cancer. I never believed that something like this could happen to us. We always try to live life to perfection; being close, staying together, going to church and being on the right track. My nights turned into numerous battles with God trying to find the answer to this dreadful news. One night in particular, I fell asleep with the question on my mind as to why God would allow this to happen. The next morning I got the revelation from God. I believe that this is all the work of the devil to tear my family apart but I will never let that happen. I believe that Curtiun keeps us together. When we are warded for a long period of time, my wife and I wonder and worry, but Curtiun always comes to the rescue with his positivity. He reminds us that all we can do is make the best of it. I know that we have already overcome this battle and God is on our side. Curtiun is going to be a living testimony.
Curtiun has always been into sports. He loves winning and I see him as a champion in all areas of his life. I grasped the opportunity to have someone on the champion level, who earned an olympic gold medal, to visit Curtiun and the other patients on the JBF Ward. Keshorn was such an to inspiration to my son.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV