Blind cancer survivor overcomes obstacles to achieve matric distinction

AFTER losing her sight to cancer at the age of 9 and missing three years of school, Thireshni Andrea Padayachee defied the odds to complete her matric.

- NADIA KHAN

Thireshni Andrea Padayachee

Thireshni, 20, attended the Open Air School, and her subjects comprised English, Afrikaans, life orientation, mathematical literacy, business studies, religious studies, and hospitality studies.

She obtained a Bachelor’s pass and a distinction in business studies.

Thireshni said at the age of 9, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma —a rare type of cancer that started as a growth of cells in the soft tissue.

“As a result of the tumour in my nasal cavity pushing on to my optic nerves, I lost my eyesight. I thereafter underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation which resulted in me missing three years of school.”