Aarush rings the end of treatment bell
After three and a half years of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Aarush Sivaranjan, a seven-year-old patient at LGT, rang the end of treatment bell on Tiger Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
Aarush visited Tiger Ward on Wednesday 24 July, together with his family from Lee. After reading a special poem, he rang the bell to signal the end of his treatment. As Aarush walked down the ward where he was treated, our colleagues cheered and applauded him.
You can watch Aarush's special moment below:
Aarush's dad Sivaranjan Mylvaganam, said: “Aarush was just four years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We noticed he was weak, tired, and eating less, so we contacted his GP, who sent him for a blood test, and we were shocked to learn he had leukaemia. We were sent straight to the Tiger Ward team at QEH.
One word to describe the Tiger Ward team is ‘exceptional’. Every member of the team kept us updated on Aarush's treatment; we were supported from day one and they made sure we understood everything. In celebration of him ringing the bell, we made homemade curries and snacks to show our appreciation for the team. Food is an important part of our culture, and brings people together.
We are extremely proud of Aarush for everything he has overcome and we can't express enough gratitude to this incredible team for providing the best care to our son."
Cat Wilde Lead Macmillan Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist on Tiger Ward, added: “Aarush has been under the care of Tiger Ward for three and half years and he and his family have shown immense strength and determination throughout this time. It was such a special day when Aarush and his family came to ring the end of treatment bell. There were cheers and tears all round when Aarush rang the bell, such a privileged occasion to have been a part of.
"As a thank you, the family prepared a feast that fed the entire paediatric department, as well as gifts and cards for all staff members. They truly spoilt each and every one of us. Aarush was a joy to look after and it was a pleasure getting to know his family during this time. We look forward to seeing Aarush thrive in follow up clinic."
The chemotherapy bell was funded by the charity, End of Treatment Bells. To find out more about the charity, please visit the End of Treatment Bells website.
