Teen opened higher exam results while getting chemo for cancer

A Scottish teenager who opened his higher exam results while getting chemotherapy in hospital is set to study at Edinburgh University.

Joram Haruna, from Dalkeith, was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma on June 3, 2023, just after completing his fifth year at St Augustine’s High School.

In spring of 2023, Joram went to his GP after developing a cough that wouldn’t go away that was first thought to be a virus.

The then 16 year old finished his Higher exams but was referred to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for a chest x-ray shortly afterwards.

Joram Haruna (centre) pictured with his mum Macrine and dad Kwada. Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People

Joram was then referred to Western General hospital for a CT scan, expecting to attend then head to his night shift at his part time job in McDonald’s.

“Just an hour after the scan a doctor came up to me to say I was being taken to the intensive care unit,” he said.

“I was like, what, wow? It was scary.

“The only symptom I’d had up until then was a cough but now it felt like I was being taken to the part of the hospital where the most unwell patients were.”

Doctors explained that there was a mass in the teen’s chest pressing on blood vessels that risked blocking an airway.

Joram Haruna at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People

Tests later showed the cancer had reached Joram’s chest, spleen and lungs.

Joram was moved to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and began chemotherapy.

He went on to have five months of treatment, during which Joram discovered he’d earned A grades in his exams and secured a place at Edinburgh University.

The teen chose to defer university entry to Autumn 2024 to give his body time to recover.

Joram’s mum Macrine said she would have taken the cancer on herself “in a heart beat” rather than watch her child go through it.

“Gradually Joram would become weaker as the treatment wore on. I would go to the bathroom or the tea room to wipe away the tears.”
Macrine Haruna, Joram’s mum

“I was there for it all and it’s so difficult sitting in hospital watching your child receive chemotherapy,” she said.

“Gradually, Joram would become weaker as the treatment wore on. I would go to the bathroom or the tea room to wipe away the tears.”

Joram had his final session in October 17, 2023, and a banner was put up as the family gathered to support him through it.

Treatment went so well that the teen did not need radiotherapy and, in November 2023, a scan showed he was in remission.

Joram Haruna after his final chemotherapy session. Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People

Now 18, Joram is “looking forward” to starting his first year at university where he will study chemical engineering.

The teen, who’s first lecture is on September 19, added it was a “relief” to have his life back on track but acknowledged his tough journey.

“I’ll never forget how tough cancer was,” he said, “At times I was almost in denial that this was even happening to me.

“I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise the person looking back at me.

Joram Haruna was in hospital receiving chemotherapy treatment when he opened his Higher exam results. Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People

“Before I got ill, I had long hair in braids and a beard. I lost all my hair and even my eyebrows after the first month of chemotherapy.

“That felt unsettling. I was ready to be more independent so it was hard to take steps backwards and have people do things for me.

“But I realised I did need that help, family and friends were there to give me support and that I should take their support.

“Now I’d love to use my voice to speak out on behalf of young people with cancer. Knowing my story could make a difference and help others means so much. I hope people will show their support.”

Joram appears in a poster appeal for Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People that will be displayed in more than 500 of the charity’s shops.

Mum Macrine said: “Joram is a strong boy but of course he’s broken down at times. That’s normal, he’s only human but Joram has been so positive through the most challenging of days.

“We’re proud that Joram stars in this important campaign that highlights how Cancer Research UK’s work is making more moments possible for families like ours. It’s special moments together which mean the world to us.”

Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, Lisa Adams, said the charity was grateful to Joram and his family in ensuring young people can live longer and better lives free from the fear of cancer.

“Cancer is different in children and young people from the types of cancer that affect this age group to the long term effects of treatment, such as hearing loss and infertility,” she said.

“So, it needs different and dedicated research that we’re grateful to people across Scotland for helping to fund.

“Thanks to our generous supporters, we are beating cancer. More than nine in ten children and young people with cancer who receive cancer drugs on the NHS receive a drug linked to our work.

“And our scientists are unlocking discoveries about these cancers and translating them into new and less toxic ways to treat them.

“We hope supporters will wear a gold ribbon with pride this September for the vital role they play in making this life-saving work possible.”