PERSPECTIVE: A child writes about her experience in being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10 and how it drastically changed her life as she was forced to skip school for a year for treatment.

Here, we have reproduced the child's essay from The Birthday Book Jr (2019) titled "A.L.L.".

Mothership and The Birthday Collective are in collaboration to share essays from the 2019 edition of The Birthday Book Jr.

The Birthday Book Jr is a collection of 55 essays featuring young Singaporeans from various walks of life.

Apart from showcasing the diversity of young voices in Singapore, these essays also discuss our collective future as a nation.

By Nadiah binte Mohammed Nazim, 12

Hello, I am Nadiah and I have experienced something that many kids have not: Cancer. I have no idea how I got it but it has really changed me and how I live my life.

I was 10 years old when I was first diagnosed with “Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia”. It was a confusing time and I wondered: What is leukemia? Am I sick? What is happening to me!?

I was most worried about school because I was a good student who got good grades and held many leadership positions. I could not afford to miss out on anything! As it turns out, I missed out a lot. During that time, I felt that my life was quite empty; going in and out of hospital became a daily thing.

My parents kept me going, they cheered me on. I knew that, no matter what, I had to keep going even through the many needles that I had to endure during treatment.

One of the hardest things for me to change was my diet—I loved sweets, cup noodle and junk food. It was too unhealthy for me so I had to stop eating, Sometimes I craved for cup noodles so much I ate it behind my doctor’s back! Oops!

A year passed and other 11-year-olds were busy preparing for the PSLE next year and I was still recovering. A few months later, my mum said that I could return to school; I was so happy!

On the day I went back, I wore my prefect uniform excitedly and went to school with my dad.

My social worker would come also to briefed my friends about my illness. I was very nervous. There were many familiar faces, but also some unfamiliar ones. I received some gifts from my classmate. My form teacher came to give me a gigantic card made by my class that read” WELCOME!” I was very touched.

It was hard, at first, to catch up with my classmates but by year’s end, I managed to top the class!

The next year, I did not do so well for my mid years because I was a little distracted. My teacher offered to tutor me to help me catch up on the topics I missed out on. It helped.

When the PSLE results came out I got a high score and was third in class! I managed to get into a good school and was happy to finally close this chapter in my life and look forward to a new chapter in secondary school.

I am super grateful to Ms Koh, Mr Lee, Mr Yeo; my classmates Hilman, Xavier, my best friends and my family. They helped me to keep on going. I love you all!

Have an interesting perspective to share or a commentary to contribute? Write to us at [email protected].

If you happen to be in the education space and think this essay may be suitable as a resource (e.g. for English Language, General Paper or Social Studies lessons), The Birthday Collective has an initiative, "The Birthday Workbook", that includes discussion questions and learning activities based on The Birthday Book essays. You can sign up for its newsletter at bit.ly/TBBeduresource.

Top image from KK Women's & Children's hospital Facebook