Last Updated on Thursday, 15 November 2012 19:58 Thursday, 15 November 2012 19:48
Chris braves biggest test by facing up to cancer
TEENAGE braveheart Chris Grant-Mones has taught his classmates a lesson you won't find in the curriculum.
(Published Herald Sun Tuesday 13th November 2012)
A cancer diagnosis has not stopped the Mount Waverley Secondary College student completing his VCE, which will culminate on Thursday with his final two exams.
The 19-year-old, told last Christmas Eve he had leukaemia, kept up his studies and even served as school captain despite 100 days of treatment and a month-long stint in hospital.
Doctors had initially urged him to take the year off.
"It never really sat well with me. I've always been such a busy person and very active," Chris said.
"It's probably been the best decision I've made to continue with school this year. It's been life-changing, really."
The Hughesdale teen, who has been an ambassador for the Oaktree Foundation, is now in remission and hopes to travel after school.
"Don't take life for granted - anything can happen in the blink of an eye," he said.
Classmate Eloise Pelser, who earlier this year shaved her metre-long locks for the cancer cause, said students were astounded at Chris's determination.
"Year 12 is stressful enough," she said. "We were all just in awe of his commitment."
Assistant principal Judy Anderson said Chris was a role model for others.
"He has shown amazing resilience," she said.
