SCHOOLBOY Afonso Casanova is a picture of health and happiness as he shows off his ‘Star’ award, presented to him for bravery while going through cancer treatment.
The five-year-old – twin to brother Gabriel – is a mischievous delight – demonstrating his dinosaur knowledge, telling jokes and teaching doctors and nurses rude words in Portuguese, even while he goes through tough treatment.
His parents Susana and Paulo, from Richmond, South West London, couldn’t be more proud of him.
Afonso has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People ‘Star Award’, in partnership with TK Maxx, for the courage he has shown during his treatment.
He is one of 15 young stars from across the UK recognised during a virtual awards show which celebrates the courage of children diagnosed with cancer.
Hosted by children affected by the disease, the film highlights the impact cancer has on young lives and encourages more nominations for the award in the run up to Christmas.
The touching film sees the recipients deliver heart-warming acceptance speeches, ‘strut their stuff’ on a red carpet and break out their best dance moves as they celebrate their award.
Afonso, wearing a bow-tie, walks down the red carpet, and says; “I’m Afonso. I’m five years old and I have leukaemia.”
Later in the video he’s seen alongside his twin Gabriel, also wearing a matching outfit for the special occasion.
Afonso was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last May during lockdown and plunged into three years of treatment,
He and Gabriel had always been active boys playing football and tennis, being out on their bikes and scooters and having playdates.
But as he approached his fourth birthday, signs of illness began to emerge. He became increasingly tired and developed dark circles beneath his eyes.
“He kept telling me he wasn’t ill, he was just tired,” said Susana. “But over the May bank holiday weekend, I knew something wasn’t right, so I called 111 and they referred me to the GP. On the way to the doctor, Afonso could barely walk.”
The GP suggested taking Afonso to Kingston Hospital.
Susana said: “After hours of tests, three people entered the waiting room. I said: ‘This is serious isn’t it?’ They said ‘Yes’, and I called in my husband who was waiting in the car park with Gabriel.
“They told us Afonso had leukaemia. They said there was treatment but I have a friend who died of leukaemia and I immediately thought Afonso was going to die and started screaming. I was holding Gabriel – it was an awful moment. Gabriel thought I was going to die.”
Afonso started treatment immediately and was moved to the oncology unit in St George’s Hospital.
He is now half-way through his three-year treatment and is doing well, although he and his family have to cope with the effects of the steroids – a side effect which has become known among parents as ‘roid rage’.
“By far the worst part of his treatment has been hospital stays and dealing with the effects the steroids have on him,” said Susana. “Once a month, his behaviour changes and he turns into a monster.
“He’s very moody and aggressive, one minute he hates me, then he loves me. He doesn’t sleep so he is very, very tired, he won’t eat food he normally loves – he picks strange combinations like Nutella and cheese!
“If he’s at school, it is a disaster, he cries, everyone is scared. Luckily, he has a wonderful teacher and classmates who sense when he needs help.”
The whole experience has also been tough on Gabriel.
“He’s had to cope with Afonso’s absence, his mood swings and aggressive behaviour during steroids. And he has had to deal with the lack of attention,” said Susana.
But when the steroids wear off, Afonso is back to his normal, happy, outgoing self.
“Afonso is very friendly. He chats to the doctors and nurses about dinosaurs and times tables – he loves mathematics!” said Susana.
“He has a very good sense of humour and loves to tell jokes. He likes to teach the hospital staff words in Portuguese – particularly words like xixi and cocó and which mean wee and poop! He says them and then he laughs and laughs!
“He is a superstar to cope with what he does. He always does what’s asked of him with his medicines. He’s a very funny kid – he likes to laugh and he has never complained about his medicines.
“He knows he has a blood disease and the names of his medicines. He knows the nurses and which hospitals have the best toys – the Royal Marsden and Kingston – and thinks this is just amazing!
“He knows he can’t play in sand or with mud. He knows he can jump in a puddle but he can’t put his hands in it. We try to live a normal a life as possible, while avoiding the dangers for him.
“And Gabriel, by having such a delicate heart, is a 24-hour support for Afonso. He is
In the red carpet film, famous faces, including singer/songwriter Pixie Lott, TV personalities Dr Ranj and Joe Tasker, and TikTok stars Flossie Clegg, Lewys Ball and Olivia Neill, send the children messages of support.
Pixie Lott said: “Every child who confronts cancer is a star in their own right. Cancer can have a devastating impact on young lives and what these children have to endure for months, and even years, is unimaginable.
“That’s why I’m proud to be supporting the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards and helping to put these amazing youngsters in the spotlight, where they belong.”
Susana said, in retrospect, being diagnosed during lockdown was probably a blessing for them.
“When I look back, I think we actually benefitted from lockdown – everyone was being safe, staying at home, using hand gel and isolating. But I wouldn’t want to go through this journey again, I’d prefer never to have had cancer in my life.
“Afonso gives us daily a lesson on being resilient and motivated. He is an adorable young gentleman – our special star, our adored son, a caring child that shouldn’t have to go through this journey.
“He loves sun and beaches and has a dream of going to the Maldives to swim in warm waters and see the fish. We can only hope we can give him this one day.”
Susana added: “It’s really important to keep raising awareness about what children and young people go through. We’ve always known Afonso was a star, but it was extra special to see him shine on screen as part of the Star Awards show.
“We’re so proud of him and we hope his star turn inspires other families to get nominating.”
Around 240 children in London are diagnosed with cancer every year*.
The Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for cancer within the past five years.** There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.
Every eligible child who is nominated receives a trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a t-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrities. Their siblings also receive a certificate.
Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People spokesperson for London, said: “Afonso is not only a real-life star himself, but he is also part of a great double-act with Gabriel.
“He’s been through so much already and has dealt with everything so well. It’s been a privilege to be able to celebrate his courage with a Star Award and to mark the occasion with a special show.”
“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
“We’re urging people to nominate inspirational children like Afonso now, so that many more can receive the acknowledgement they deserve.”
Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is one of the many centres across the UK taking part in ground-breaking clinical trials coordinated by Cancer Research UK’s Children’s Cancer Trials Team. These trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer in London.
The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £40m for vital research to help improve survival and reduce the long-term side effects of treatments.
