Antonio Aristides: Top pupil bags 8 distinctions while fighting cancer
While studying for his matric exams in 2019 - Antonio Aristides battled with cancer.
During his Matric year, Antonio Aristides was battling with cancer but that did not stop him to become one of South Africa’s top matriculants for 2020.
The 19-year-old former SAHETI School pupil was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer, a cancer of the lymphatic system while writing prelims.
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Aristides had to undergo chemotherapy, which continued throughout his finals.
He bagged 8 distinctions and he has been named a commendable achiever by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
"I received 8 distinctions in all my subjects - even Greek."
"My health at this time is good - I'm doing well. I was diagnosed on the 13 of July 2019 but it did not stop me.
"I was diagnosed the month after my birthday. I did not expect it to happen - I was in shock and everything was in slow motion.
"When I was diagnosed, passing matric was my biggest goal and I had the biggest support from my family."
Aristides is planning to study Engineering.