Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 11/Aug 17:23

Survivor: Cancer is not a death sentence

While a terrifying reality, TT's Global Hero of Hope 2024 Darius Emrith assures those who may receive a cancer diagnosis that it's not a death sentence. The 32-year-old attorney is a survivor of stage three colorectal cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2021. He was named a 2024 Global Hero of Hope by the American Cancer Society in November 2023. "People feel like when they hear that diagnosis that their life is over. That's not true." "It is possible to overcome it once you have the right mindset, a positive mindset and once you have a strong support system that's behind you. It doesn't have to be your family it could be your friends, it could be your peers, colleagues. Once you have those people to uplift you and keep you on the right path and mindset through your journey." He warned that cancer does not discriminate against anyone on race, sex, gender and age. This is why he said it is also crucial to become aware of the disease's signs and symptoms. "Screen or see a medical professional if you feel there is a problem. Early detection makes a big difference with a disease like cancer." He said he learnt along his treatment journey that there is, in fact, life after the disease with some people he met living at least 30 years after their battle. The attorney now has to wear a permanent colostomy bag and has irreversible nerve damage to his leg after his battle. Emrith was speaking to Newsday at the TT Cancer Society's fund-raising Batting Against Cancer at Skinner Park Sporting Facility, San Fernando. TT Cancer Society chairman Robert Dumas said the event was part of its Relay for Life partnership with the American Cancer Society. "This event is a charity fund raised. The funds and all proceeds go towards further promotion of screening, all our public relations as we push on a constant basis to promote the importance of early detection, screening (and) education around TT." The event saw three mixed teams (comprising both male and female) locked in a T-10 cricket match. The All Stars team was captained by West Indies women's team bowler Anisa Mohammed; Local Heroes was captained by West Indies middle-order batsman Jason Mohammed; and the National Warriors was captained by West Indies bowler Imran Khan. The teams were comprised of representatives from 24 cricket clubs around the country. The event kicked off with a survivors' march around the park's cycle track before the toss was done. The event also had entertainment from Freetown Collective. The post Survivor: Cancer is not a death sentence appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.