Being a Survivor

Chris - one of CLIC Sargent's Young Web Champions - writes about what it means to be a survivour.

A survivor is someone who comes through a tough time during their life such as overcoming a disability or serious illness.

Now I feel better then I did before my diagnosis, I am able to play games, make models and draw. I also have the patience for a few hobbies such as model making, taking out my petrol remote control car and designing and building 00 gauge model railway layouts.

Life after treatment is still difficult but you have to keep trying. I managed to get some GCSE’s even though I had to learn to write with my left hand and then went onto college to study for a Btec Diploma in ICT which I passed and this year I am studying for a Btec Diploma in Media which I hope to pass later on this year

I have also been able to apply for a driving licence and have managed to get a three year licence before I have to apply again. I have had to swop to an automatic car but at least I am doing something other people my age are doing.

Once you have got through treatment you may find it hard and expensive to get insurance for either a car or for travelling but don’t give up, keep looking.

Getting a job has proved difficult as employers don’t seem to want to employ disabled people. Keep trying, try doing some voluntary work while you are looking at least you will be learning something and it looks good on your CV.

I still have to take quite a few drugs to help with effects of my tumour and treatment but this has just become a part of my life.