health

The schoolboy who inspired the world has received some life changing news.

Remember Jake Bailey?

He made international headlines in 2015 after his inspirational speech about cancer went viral. The Head Boy at Christchurch Boys’ High in New Zealand made an unexpected speech at his final assembly, after being told he had just three weeks to live.

He was diagnosed with fast-growing Burkitt’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

But in an incredible turn of events, Jake has announced that he is now in remission. In a statement, he said that “there will be a lot of follow up care over the coming years and cancer makes no guarantees, but for now I can get on with my life.”

Jake plans on taking a gap year before starting university. He says he wants to help others facing similar experiences during this time.

He thanked a lot of people, from his family, school and the medical teams who supported him, but also others battling cancer.

“I wish them and their families the best. I hope, like us, you share times of genuine depth amongst your hardship – moments probably missed if we didn’t have to go through this.”

Burkitt’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, which helps our bodies fight infections.

Watch Jake’s moving speech here: 

 

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