Saudi Student Challenges Cancer, Continues Daily Online Classes

Despite being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Saudi student Talal Al-Shahrani is challenging cancer by continuing his studies via the online Madrasati platform.

Talal is a great example of dedication — his illness has not prevented him from pursuing his education despite his chemotherapy treatments.

His father Sultan Al-Shahrani said that Talal was diagnosed with cancer eight months ago in Abha in southern Saudi Arabia. This forced the family to move to Jeddah, despite his work at Ministry of Defense hospitals. He said that the treatment was going ahead as planned by the supervising doctors.

BACKGROUND

• Talal — a third grade student who studies at the Creative School of Excellence in Khamis Mushayt — is being treated at the King Abdul Aziz National Guard Hospital in Jeddah.

Al-Shahrani told Arab News that Talal undergoes two chemotherapy sessions a week. “While one hand receives chemotherapy treatment, the other hand is following up on studies via the Madrasati platform.”

Talal is a third grade student and studies at the Creative School of Excellence in Khamis Mushayt in southern Saudi Arabia. He is currently receiving his treatment in the King Abdul Aziz National Guard Hospital in Jeddah.

Talal is the family’s second son. His father said that he is in continuous contact via his mobile with his school, teachers and classmates, as well as communicating with them via WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

“He is keen on communicating with his classmates, receiving treatment and studying at the same time,” his father said. “The chemotherapy sessions that Talal received have not weakened his will to grasp knowledge on a daily basis in all subjects, as he refuses to miss his school classes despite being on his white bed throughout the past period.”

The Education Ministry has approved the continuation of distance learning until the end of the academic year’s first term. The approval applies to general education, university education as well as technical training, the ministry tweeted.

ARAB NEWS