The force is strong with this one...Star Wars-loving Dylan beats cancer for a second time
A SEVEN-year-old boy from Derby has beaten cancer for the second time after a year of chemotherapy.
Dylan Askin, of Shelton Lock, rang the end of treatment bell on Saturday, November 28, while dressed as his Star Wars hero, Luke Skywalker.
He completed his treatment for cancer of the spine a year earlier than doctors at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre expected.
Dylan’s dad, Mike, admitted he’s in awe of his son, who stayed upbeat despite a difficult treatment process.
Mike said: “We’re phenomenally proud of him. He’s shown so much strength and nd courage over the past year. Dylan has carried ied himself with diggnity and joy even in challenging times. He’s amazing.”
This is the second time Dylan has battled against can- cer.
After surviving g an
initial attack o on his lungs, Dylan was take taken for a CT scan in Septe September 2019 to mak make sure he had re recovered and that a tr transplant was not n needed. Luckily it was not, but the Askin family were hit with other devastating news. The cancer had returned and spread to Dylan’s back, causing one of his vertebrae to erode.
This meant he had to go for regular chemotherapy over the last 12 months – an experience made all the more difficult by the pandemic.
Mike said: “We’ve had to shield as a family to keep him safe during his treatment. We couldn’t do much to take his mind off it.
“It’s definitely been a challenge, but it made the moment Dylan rang the bell feel even more special this time. It was huge for us.”
Now Dylan has recovered he hopes to get back to doing what he loves most - playing football.
He will be joining his team for a training session this weekend and, if all goes well, he could be back on the pitch in a few weeks’ time.
Mike said: “He’s missed his football more than anything, so he’s going to be delighted to get back out there and see his friends.
“Hopefully he can join his team and get back to playing properly again soon.”
Dylan has carried himself with dignity and joy even in challenging times. He’s amazing.
Dad Mike