Luke Grenfell-Shaw: Around-the-World Cyclist treated for Cancer arrives at PGIMER today
Luke Grenfell-Shaw: Around-the-World Cyclist treated for Cancer arrives at PGIMER today
Its possible to live your dreams, even with cancer, reiterated Luke Grenfell-Shaw
Chandigarh : 13 December : “Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. I’m doing this ride to show it’s possible to live your dreams, even with cancer. The ailment does not have a barrier. But you’ve got to create your own opportunities, no one else will do that for you.”
This was the key message given by 26 year old man from Westbury-on-Trym, Luke Grenfell-Shaw, who has set off on a challenging cycle ride from Bristol to Beijing to raise funds for cancer charities, while addressing at a hugely engaging and inspirational interactive session held at Advanced Pediatric Center, at PGIMER today
Luke further shared, “This expedition would be seriously challenging even for someone living without cancer, however I want to show that despite a cancer diagnosis you can set your own horizons; that you need not be labeled and limited by it, rather it’s your dreams that determine your achievements.”
Organized by Dr. Amita Trehan, Professor in Pediatric Medicine, Advanced Pediatric Center, PGIMER, with an intent to motivate others battling with the ailment, the session was well participated by equally inspiring others from PGIMER including 10 year old Sukhnaaz, on treatment for Leukemia, a 10th class student Dev pursuing cyber security and a survivor of Leukemia and Ashutosh, a student of Pharmacy from Panjab University and a cancer survivor.
The session was also attended by Brig. Bakshi from Cankids, an NGO helping Luke’s journey in India including today’s PGIMER trip as well as the doctors and supportive care staff from the Hematology Oncology unit in Pediatrics department
Sharing his life’s journey with the audience, Luke Grenfell-Shaw elaborated, “While teaching English in Siberia in 2018, I noticed an ache in my shoulder. At first he presumed it was a pulled muscle, but later it was diagnosed to be a Stage IV sarcoma (a rare cancer which had spread from his shoulder blade to his lungs) at the age of 24.”
Speaking to an audience sitting in rapt attention, Luke Grenfell-Shaw further shared, “I was determined to take charge of my life and live it to the maximum. So, I founded a charity called CanLive on 19 October 2019, aiming to raise awareness and funds during the ride from Bristol, UK, to Beijing, China.. Already covering 18,000 kilometers, the tandem trip has provided me an opportunity to share the experience with friends, family, and with other young CanLivers, people living with cancer who are inspired to live life to the full and maximize their longevity.”
Luke’s inspirational story was complimented by equally interesting and encouraging stories from other cancer survivors. 10 year old Sukhnaaz from PGIMER spell bound the audience with her mesmerizing singing and her fluency in multiple English accents. Her bright lit face and her spirited demeanor was a clear testimony that ‘there is life beyond cancer provided you do not give up.’
The Cyber Security buff, Dev old, himself now cured out from the ailment, wanted to raise awareness about the myths and misconceptions prevalent in the society regarding the disease. Narrating an emotional account of discrimination that he faced due to the ailment he was suffering from, he seemed a man on a mission.
A very suave and polished Ashutosh, who got cured of cancer six and a half years ago, and now pursuing a degree in Pharmacy from Panjab University, also seemed dedicated to the cause and has a support group to hand hold and give hope to those fighting their battle with the disease.
Aptly summing up the session, Dr Amita Trehan stated, “ Its extremely gratifying for us as doctors to listen to these inspirational stories. As we also get emotionally involved with our patients, these kinds of positive life accounts rejuvenate us and reiterate our faith in the nobility of this profession.”
