AN EAST London cancer survivor will be running the Old Mutual Comrades Marathon this weekend to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (Choc).
Julyan, 23, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2006 and he remembers how staff from Choc would visit the oncology ward to bring him fun and laughter.
It will not be Julyan’s first Comrades as he ran it last year, but he later decided that this year he would do it for cancer.
“Choc was there for me when I was in hospital. They made me feel happy and I will forever be thankful for that,” he said.
“I would also like to thank everyone who was by my side during that period, my family, friends and doctors.”
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a type of acute leukaemia, meaning that it is aggressive and progresses quickly. It affects the lymphoid cell-producing stem cells, in particular a type of white blood cell called T lymphocytes, as opposed to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which commonly affects B lymphocytes.
Choc regional manager Debbie Kleinenberg said Choc had known Julyan since he was diagnosed with cancer as a young boy.
“We have walked the journey with him and his family from diagnosis through treatment. Today we are so proud to witness Morne as a survivor. He will be giving back to the community as he runs the Comrades Marathon to raise awareness of children’s cancer and much-needed funds for Choc,” she said.
To support and donate to this cause, visit www.giveandgain.com and search for Morne Julyan .
