The period from primary to secondary school can be very transitional for any student but for one Monaghan teenager dealing with a cancer diagnosis had to be front and centered. Beech Hill student Francis Balmer didn't know the extent of the illness that he was going through until he reached the age of 13.
The then teenager was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer and then had to undergo chemo therapy. Francis said his mood took a massive dip and felt very frustrated resulting in his mental health taking a massive tole. He said along with his chemo, he also had to travel to Germany for a three week period for further procedures.
Now here is a story of courage, resilience and determination. Monaghan student Francis Balmer has been telling me of his battle that he fought and won when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour five years ago.
