He eventually lost his appetite and started looking pale. Sensing something amiss, Uvarajan and his wife, Vimala Thevi Ganesan, brought their firstborn to the Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
After a full blood test and bone-marrow biopsy, Sheahan – then five years old – was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the blood and marrow.
“It was the most heartbreaking news I had ever heard,” Uvarajan, 44, told FMT. “My wife and I were so upset because he was a very active child. It was hard because every parent wants to see their child healthy.”
The couple also have a daughter, who is three years younger than Sheahan.
Uvarajan, who hails from Klang and works in the marine gas and oil industry, remembers feeling more hopeful after speaking with a doctor friend who informed him the disease was curable.
“So, I told my wife: ‘Let’s get through this, as it’s just a test by God. What’s important is for us to think positively because, once we do, we won’t look at the problem; instead, we’ll see the solution’.”
The next two years involved many trips to the hospital as Sheahan underwent chemotherapy every week. He also took oral chemo medication every day.
The boy suffered from side effects such as hair loss, mouth ulcers, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Consequently, Sheahan, who had only started kindergarten six months before his diagnosis, was not able to continue going to school.
Despite all this, the child remained in good spirits. “He accepted the fact that he was not well and was a very strong boy. He also responded very well to the treatment.”
Uvarajan kept his son motivated throughout this time and reassured him he could go back to kindergarten soon. He also made sure Sheahan had a constant supply of his favourite food and toys, as keeping him happy became his number-one priority.
“When I saw my son smile, it was such a great feeling,” he said.
A father’s love
Staying optimistic was also the goal for Uvarajan, who became the sole breadwinner when Vimala took unpaid leave to care for their son. He had to reduce the amount of travel he would usually do for work.
“I had to spend less so I could set money aside for medical expenses, while making sure my wife and daughter were doing well,” he explained.
“I tuned out any negative remarks. What kept me going was the motivation to see my son back to normal. That became the only thing on my mind and in my heart.”
All his sacrifice paid off two years later, when Sheahan was cured. Today, he is a happy and healthy 14-year-old.
“He is doing well in school and excels in sports, especially football. In fact, he is now taller than me,” Uvarajan shared with a big smile.
Looking back, Uvarajan believes the experience changed him for the better. “Those two years were painful but it taught me a lot of things. I became more responsible and positive,” he said.
He recalled his own late father’s words when Sheahan was first diagnosed. “He told me: ‘As a father, you have an important role to play in your son’s life now. Make sure you hold his hand, support him, and be courageous.’
“I am so thankful for his advice and for him, because he also went through a lot of difficulties to provide for my sisters and me, despite not earning much.
“A father’s love is something very special,” he added in reflection.
On Father’s Day today, Uvarajan looks forward to what he loves most: enjoying a good meal with his family and watching television together.
To all parents whose children are suffering from chronic disease, he advised: “Stay positive, have faith in God, believe in yourself, and never give up.”
And in the meantime, Sheahan has a special message for him: “Thank you for everything you have done for me and for the unconditional love you show me. I’ll never be able to repay you. You are my pillar of strength, and I love you.”