Sarath Kumar S also known as "Sarath Jayu" is a famous Author, Writer and Software Engineer who has beaten cancer twice. His first book "Raise Your Brave Wings" was a bestseller, and he has received India Prime Icon award for the same. He also received the Indian Excellency award for his enormous contribution in literature during the cancer struggle and got appreciation and an award in the India Book of records for his book "Raise Your Brave Wings".
“There are good days and bad days, but it is up to us to decide how to deal with those days. You do not need wings to fly, even if there is the sky inside. The strongest people are people who faced the toughest situations in life”. These are the inspirational words of a motivational writer and a famous award-winning author, Sarath Kumar S, who has been setting an example for millions of cancer fighters to live with dreams and positivity.
Sarath says he didn’t ask to get cancer, but since he couldn’t escape it, he figured he may as well make the most out of a bad situation. Sarath was 31 years old, healthy and active when he was diagnosed with cancer in Qatar. Professionally, Sarath is a highly qualified Software Engineer, and he was working as an IT Project Manager in one of the leading money exchange companies of Qatar during this time. His first symptom was a strong, painful lump in his stomach. His doctor said it was probably an infection and prescribed antibiotics. But the pain got worse. Sarath then had tests and procedures, including a biopsy and surgery to remove lymph nodes, a bone marrow biopsy, blood work, PET scan, and ultrasound. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 advanced cancer.
Sarath’s treatment included chemotherapy and radiation. He says fatigue and strong pain was the worst side effect. He also had nausea and lost his hair. But Sarath was more concerned about his family, and he faced all these adversities with a strong mind along with the support of his lovable wife, Jayalakshmi Sarath.According to his wife, Jayalakshmi, Sarath was in a “very low state.” He was strongly fighting to survive. He slept endless hours, barely ate, and had severe mouth sores with strong pain throughout the body. The couple had one kid, a boy (5 years old) named “Satvik Sarath”.
“Cancer is hard on everyone, and I didn’t want to make things worse for my family,” said Sarath. “So I decided to just goof off and have as much fun as possible”. During this phase he secured a lot of online certifications, including certification in “Google Project Management” as well. He started writing blogs and poems about his emotional journey which captures the attraction of many people and his Facebook posts became viral. He always finds reasons to stay positive during this battle by all means.
During a follow-up appointment, the doctor told Sarath he was in relapse – the cancer came back, his test results also confirmed his cancer had come back more strongly by keeping only the option of bone marrow transplantation for survival. “It was most frustrating for anyone, but I feel as if I had to continue my battle with more courage and vision,” said Sarath. During this time he started writing poems and motivational books in English which got published in Amazon, Flipkart and in international book platforms. He also attended KeralaCAN campaign with actress and lady superstar Manju Warrier in Manorama News channel. His first book “Raise Your Brave Wings” became the bestseller, and he received the “India Prime Icon Award” which is the dream of many and appreciated in India Book of Records for the same. He also receives "Indian Excellency Award" for his enormous contribution in literature during his cancer struggle.
Recently he had a bone marrow transplantation in Rajagiri hospital, Kochi. According to Sarath, his friends, hospital staff, boss and co-workers had supported him throughout his journey. “I would like to thank for their emotional support always. It’s one of the biggest battles I have won, everywhere I looked, I saw love coming towards me,” he said.
Sarath said, “To make a difference in this world, you don’t always have to do something earth-shattering; you can do something as simple as walk and talk. I have made it my personal mission to make a difference in the lives of those who have been touched by cancer. As long as we can understand and laugh, no one can defeat us, nothing can. Cancer can torment me and destroy my body but can never paralyze my mind. Flowing water and rocks often collide, and it is always water that wins, not by its strength, but by unremitting effort.”