Lukas, 18, from Sunderland
Lukas was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia aged 13 in December 2007. He received chemotherapy in Newcastle. He had a bone marrow transplant in February 2010. He is studying Performing Arts at a college in Sunderland.
Lukas describes how he didn’t realise what was happening when he was first taken into hospital, and when his saw his mother struggling to look into his eyes in hospital did he realise that something was seriously wrong.
He said: “I went into the ward for chemotherapy and there were three other people there looking so tired and worn out and I remember just thinking ‘oh no, this is what I’m going to look like.’ Then I just cried and cried.”
Lukas found it nearly impossible to make friends at his new school throughout his treatment, and though his family have become stronger as a result of his treatment, he admits their relationship was strained at times. His CLIC Sargent Social Worker, Jan, provided the perfect sounding board for him and his family.
Luke said: “I was in hospital for a month over the time of my bone marrow transplant, and I was so angry and upset I would just cry for no reason. I thought my life was over but that was when I met Jan, my CLIC Sargent Social Worker. She would come and speak to me whenever I was feeling down and would talk to me about anything from my treatment to what I wanted to do for a job. I still remember some of the advice she gave me now when I have important things to do or decisions to make. She told me my life was just beginning and she was right."
“CLIC Sargent helped me and my family very much during my treatment. All the staff worked with professionalism and enthusiasm throughout what was a really difficult time. I could always talk to Jan at any time about anything that was on my mind. Overall I couldn't be any happier with the service and help that CLIC Sargent provided for me and my family.”
Though he wants to work towards a more secure job, Lukas is determined to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He says: “I think I am going to try and follow my heart rather than my brain.”