St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma in year 10
On the cusp of the most serious school years of his life, St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury received a shock cancer diagnosis that disrupted his study plans.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury, year 12 exams aren’t just about concluding 13 years of schooling, but also celebrating the unexpected challenges he overcame along the way.
Sebastian’s school journey was mostly ordinary – he was a dedicated student where being the “smartest, hardest working kid was a big part of my identity”.
But a shock cancer diagnosis in March 2022 meant his education took a back seat, with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma becoming an unexpected life hurdle.
“I was in year 10 – that stage where school starts to get a bit more serious – and a cancer diagnosis was really shattering for me at the time because my biggest worry wasn’t about my health, it was that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with school,” he said.
“It was a lot to emotionally process. I went into this survival mode and it wasn’t until after chemo when it hit me that I actually had stage four cancer.”
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Sebastian underwent six months of intense chemotherapy before he went into remission.
When he recovered and returned to school, Sebastian shared his experience with cancer to reinvigorate St Bernard’s blood drive.
“I stepped into this role as ministry captain … and I shared my experience about how I received blood transfusions in hospital which encouraged others to donate (blood),” he said.
He and his mum also wrote a memoir – titled The Worst, Best Year – about his cancer journey, which is expected to be published towards the end of the year.
Asked how he was feeling about the upcoming English test, the Year 12 student – who scored study scores of 49 in Business and 47 in Biology last year – said “even if I don’t succeed and get the results I’m looking to achieve, I know I have given it my all”.
“I have this philosophy that if you put the hard work in, then it’s pretty hard to not have some success,” he said.
While working hard was part of his recipe for success, Sebastian also swore by his “Sunday rule” where every Sunday he took a break from homework to focus on his mental health.
St Bernard’s College Principal Michael Davies said Sebastian was an “absolute inspiration” for the school community.
“The way in which he has overcome cancer, navigated his studies and given so openly and generously in the service of others is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
“We have every confidence he will go on to do great things, starting with his medical degree, as he seeks to help other young people through their cancer journey as he did.’’
The year 12 English exam will be held from 9am on Tuesday October 29.
Originally published as St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma in year 10
Massive Victorian horse training centre back on the market
A revered 299ha horse training property in central Victoria is back on the market, two years after it was snapped up by an Australian pub baron.
Stamp duty slashed on apartments in major new housing push
Stamp duty will be cut for all apartments, units and townhouses bought off-the-plan as the Allan government moves to make it easier to buy and build homes. Here is how the scheme will work.