Nothing is impossible and an example of this is Jayant Kandoi, the man who fought cancer six times and runs an NGO, City Star Club that helps cancer patients in the battle of life.Surviving cancer is nothing but easy and requires even more courage to fight it for the sixth time when you know it never gets any easier.
Every cancer diagnosis is unique and challenging, and Jayant has done the impossible by fighting cancer for the last 9 years at different parts of his body. He won his sixth battle ofcancer in February 2021.
The 23-year-old warrior is the only person in India who has fought cancer this many times.
Jayant’s Story
In 2013, Jayant had just entered class 10th when he started feeling pain in his neck. After visiting doctor and conducting several tests, doctors told him that he is suffering from Hodgkin’slymphoma, a form of cancer. As soon as Jayant got this devastating news his world turned upside down and several questions hit his mind.
These questions were Will I need chemotherapy or will I lose my hair? Does radiation hurt? Do I need surgery? One question of these was Will I die.
“When I knew for the first time, I wasn’t sure if I could drive home safely. I was so scared. I went to a four-day picnic and learned to accept the reality. I was determinedto live and thrive in the face of my illness,” said Jayant.
Jayant was shifted to Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer hospital and received chemotherapy 12 times.
Despite his hard battle with cancer, Jayant continued to study and gave his 10th exam. He scored the top position in CBSE 10th board exams.
Later, in 2015, he once again felt shooting pain on the left side of his neck. He was in Class 11th and suspected cancer has returned. He was shifted to Tata Memorial Kolkata and received60 radiotherapies. But, cancer again could not stop him and he scored 89 percent in Class 11th.
Jayant told that it was difficult to study as the trauma of cancer kept messing with his head and body. However, he still managed to hold a position in class 12th after which he cameto Delhi University to pursue B.Com Hons. While studying the ideas of a startup struck his mind. He launched his plan, but due to exams, he handed over the startup to another partner.
In 2017, he experienced shooting pain in his stomach. He was again diagnosed with cancer, this time in the stomach which can be only cured by an incision of 9 inches. But he went toSMS hospital and doctors used binoculars to prevent cancer and took some medications.
Jayant says, “There is no medicine for every disease; Sometimes prayers are accepted Life doesn't stop everywhere it’s just a matter of passion.”
Throughout his fight, Jayant never stopped studying and was determined to live no matter what. While pursuing his study, Jayant started an NGO and named it City Star Club. The NGO offershelp to cancer patients.
In 2019, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and by the end of the year, he got lumps in his hands. Later in 2020, he again suffered and went for bone marrow transplantation.
“All I have to say is that I am a fighter, not a warrior. I fought cancer and continue to. And for everyone out there who is battling cancer, I’d say if I could do it, youcould too. I had no money, no support, and no contacts when I started, but look at me now; I'm living life to the fullest. What's holding you back?” says Jayant.
Now, Jayant is pursuing MBA and has shared his experience in his book. His nine-year-long fight with 6 cancers and his NGO that now has a team of 200 people is a true inspiration toall. Jayant Kandoi’s story inspires us to never lose hope and keep fighting, no matter how hard it is.