Dylan Punch, a 16-year-old student from Coláiste Éamann Rís made the marvelous announcement to his friends in May that he had received the all clear after battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for more than two years.
When Dylan was just 14 years old, he and his family received the devastating news that he had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system which affects the immune system. Dylan underwent multiple rounds of chemo, as well as stem cell transplants as part of his treatment.
This battle with cancer has been long, and arduous. After he got his first all clear, Dylan experienced a relapse, but now he is cancer free
Speaking to Paul Byrne on The Cork’s 96FM Opinion Line, Dylan and his mum Elaine talked about their experience and described how they dealt with these difficult times.
Initially, Dylan was confused and upset, he couldn’t understand why this had happened to him.
“Like, why me?”
A profound realisation for such a young boy.
Dylan was a healthy, happy boy before his diagnosis and very close with both his parents.
Elaine and her husband Patrick, have been a key part of Dylan’s support system while he endured tough chemotherapy. It was heartbreaking for them to watch Dylan struggle as he fought for his life.
“They were always there for months. Like two and a half years, actually. Right next to me, constantly.”
“I wasn’t really thinking anything because I was just like, I had no energy. I was sleeping a lot. The chemo takes a lot out of you.”
Unfortunately, despite Dylan receiving his own all clear, the family is still struggling. Dylan’s dad, Patrick has also been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“He asked me for advice because I went through it first. I gave him advice on what to do if he has side effects and stuff. We’re there for each other.”
The family has learned how to be resilient, and provide support in these difficult moments. Dylan and his brother Luke are great help to Elaine.
With the experience of a relapse behind him, Dylan waited for the perfect time to announce his cancer free status. At his TY prom in Coláiste Éamann Rís, Dylan and his pal Marcus took to the stage with the old school bell to spread the happy news.
Principal Aaron Wolfe said: “He’s an inspiration to anyone. And that’s why when he told us the night of the prom, I said, we’ve got to announce this.”
“I said, take the bell and we’ll film it because we want the message, a positive message to go out to anyone fighting cancer that, you know, to stay strong and there could be light at the end of the tunnel.”
This was a joyous and memorable moment for Dylan, one he won’t soon forget.
Now that Dylan’s cancer is in remission, he will return to school and get ready for the Leaving Cert. Inspired by the people he met during his cancer journey, Dylan would like to be a paramedic.
“Since being up in Crumlin, I was talking to a paramedic about how to get into the job. He was telling me the best way to get in, and we were talking for three hours”
Dylan has seen just how much the paramedics he’s met have impacted his life and wants to do the same. Little did he know when he entered the studio, that a surprise had organised a surprise for him. Ger O’Dea from the National Ambulance Service was there to show him the ropes.
Ger said: “It’s a great feeling to know that the ambulance service did contribute in some way to Dylan’s journey.”
“We often transport sick children and teenagers into the hospitals.”
“We don’t often hear what the outcome is. So, to hear Dylan’s story, absolutely brilliant.”
“I can show him around maybe and we’ll go see an ambulance station and maybe one or two other little surprises along the way.”
Along with a tour in the ambulance Dylan got to check out the National Ambulance Service helicopter, giving him an extra special insight into the life of a paramedic.
A delighted Elaine said: “Well, he’s just after making Dylan’s day now.”
Dylan has so many plans for life after cancer, he’s only just getting started.
“I can live my life now, to the fullest.”
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