Chelmsford doctor who survived cancer three times credits research into condition
Juan Jansen Van Vuuren was first diagnosed in 2016
A doctor from Chelmsford who has survived cancer three times he will be "haunted forever" by possible recurrence.
Husband and father Juan Jansen Van Vuuren has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma three times since 2016 but he credits his family for keeping him going: "My family – my everything. That’s what I had to live for”, he said.
Juan is also keen to raise awareness about the information of research into cancer.
Almost 39,000 people people in the East of England are diagnosed with cancer every year, and Juan hopes by sharing his story he'll encourage others to support charities like Cancer Research UK in their effort to eradicate the condition.
Juan said: "Throughout this journey, even though it’s not been a choice, I’ve felt guilty about putting my family through this and the possibility of leaving James (his son).
“I imagined him not having his father cheering for him next to the sports field, taking him to a rugby game or being there to teach him how to shave – just small things, but it broke my heart.
“Thankfully, research into better treatments has given me the greatest gift – more golden time with Claudia (his wife) and James.
“But special moments with them wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of scientists who are relentlessly striving towards new milestones month after month. They need our support.”
Fortunately, Juan is now cancer free and looking forward to continuing his work as a doctor as well as a life with his family.
East of England spokesperson, Michael Jarvis, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can help beat it. Thanks to supporters like Juan, we’ve been at the forefront of cancer research for over 120 years and we’re not stopping now.
“Regular giving is crucial to our work because it means we can fund long-term research. Research could lead to new discoveries about cancer and unlock new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it. So, we hope more people across Chelmsford and beyond will donate monthly if they can.
“We’re working towards a world where we can all live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Beating the disease is a long game, but it’s one that, together, we will win.”