Cancer fighter a grade-A hit
A Sunderland teenager who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in the midst of sitting her AS-level exams is celebrating gaining two A grades.
Natalia Rooks was diagnosed with Stage 4 of aggressive bone cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma in May, after tumours were found in her pubic bone, pelvis and her lung.
However, despite the devastating news that only four in 10 people can be cured, the brave 17-year-old continued with her exams, gaining A grades in psychology and geography.
St Anthony’s Sixth Form pupil Natalia said: “I don’t know how this is possible but I’m absolutely over the moon.
“Despite sitting my exams with a stress fracture and tumour causing me discomfort, missing some due to biopsies, hospital appointments and finally being diagnosed with cancer halfway through my exams – on May 26 – I have managed to come out with two As at AS level.
“As well as this I achieved 135/144 UMS points in psychology ,which is insane.
“I’m so proud of myself for sitting as many exams as I could whilst everything was going on and getting these grades.”
She added: “Even though I don’t know what the future holds for me in terms of my education, I plan to keep going as best I can as I will not let cancer get in my way.”
Natalia, who has been undergoing chemotherapy at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, is facing the prospect of having medical treatment thousands of miles away.
She is raising money fly to America later this year where she will undergo proton beam radiotherapy which will reduce the size of the tumours and take away the need for major surgery.
The treatment will be part funded by the NHS, however, money is needed for travelling and living costs.
People can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nataliasbattleagainstewingssarcoma