7year Old Boy Battles Cancer With Karate, Swimming, Snorkeling

Enduring chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 7year old Joel Waters has still managed to achieve an orange belt in karate. This Melbourne boy was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. However the prognosis for his recovery has been positive so far. He is also preparing to go to second grade in school from this week.

The treatment was intensive in the early stages and took its toll on young Joel. Due to the side-effects of chemotherapy Joel had hunger cravings which lead to 4kg weight gain in about 3weeks. When he was 3years old, he lost the ability to walk due to effects of the drug on nerve endings.

2 years ago, Joel began karate lessons, swimming and snorkeling. Joel said, "During the treatment, karate lessons made me feel better." Joel's oncologist at Monash Children's Hospital, Dr Pratiti Bandopadhayay says, "90 per cent of children with the seven-year-old's form of cancer will be cured. It was very rewarding seeing Joel preparing to go to school this week."

Source: Medindia