‘I CAN LOOK BACK AND SEE WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH’
WHY BRAVE KYAN IS RECORDING HIS CANCER BATTLE:
AT the age of nine, Kyan Harris suddenly became unwell, suffering unexplained severe headaches and sickness.
Kyan was then diagnosed with a life-changing illness – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
This condition left Kyan, who was once very active, with many life-changing side effects, including loss of sight. He was registered visually impaired last year.
Then in March, aged 11, he was diagnosed with cancer.
Despite everything he has been through, Kyan, who lives in Maesteg with parents Stacey and Robert Harris and sister Esme, decided to set up a video blog – “It Is What It Is” – to document his cancer journey.
The videos show the now 12-year-old fighting back with a positive attitude, bravery and determination.
Kyan said he decided to set up the blog to help him through his treatment and to show others that being scared of the unknown is not an option.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to think of a way I could do something so when it was finished I can look back at the memories and see what I’ve been through and feel good,” said Kyan.
Kyan has received many messages of support from sports stars, as well as family and friends.
“I’ve had so many messages and videos from rugby and football players, it makes me feel amazing and I am so grateful,” he said.
“When I was first diagnosed with IIH, I had never heard of it before so I didn’t know what was going to come ahead.
“It’s been a tough journey, but now I have found out I have cancer, I know we are going to get to the end of the last stages. The videos make me feel good about myself,” he added.
Kyan’s mum, Stacey, said the family have had to stay strong.
“Kyan hasn’t been well for a long time,” she said. “It’s really heartbreaking when you get news like this, but in some ways you just have to keep going and be positive as a family.
“There’s hope that there is an end to the bad journey and we can look forward to what is ahead.”
The 35-year-old scribed the moment she found out her son had cancer.
“You think that things can’t get any worse, you think what else can be thrown at us.
“We were devastated and at the time you just think of the worst.
“We still haven’t had a full diagnosis because the cancer Kyan has got is very rare. The hospital in Cardiff have been great with their support. He’s having chemotherapy at the moment to try to prevent him from getting any worse. If someone had said to me three months ago that Kyan would be doing this blog, I would have said no chance. I am so proud of him,” she added.
The blog, on Facebook, is run by Kyan’s aunt, Carly Seldon.
“After a heartbreaking diagnosis, Kyan once again is fighting back with his positive attitude,” said Carly.
“Over the last few weeks we have been blown away by the support and generosity of so many of you, we have been inundated with messages offering fundraising for Kyan.
“The messages of good luck and stay strong have certainly pulled him through his first round of chemotherapy, but he’s now become very aware of how many people his short videos are touching and from this so many people want to help.
“Kyan has decided to pass on any funds raised in his name, he is amazed by how many of you want to help.
“It has become clear to us that his blogs are raising awareness of the cruel world of cancer,” she said.
Many people in the community are raising money for three of Kyan’s chosen charities – Noah’s Ark, Latch and Dreams & Wishes.