Editor, RE: "Karen Bugingo on battling cancer and how the ordeal changed her life” (The New Times, January 22). At the outset, please allow me to appreciate The New Times for carrying, on a regular basis, most meaningful stories of individuals who have displayed exemplary fortitude against serious challenges of life.

Bugingo’s story is both touching and yet amazing. Being diagnosed with severe lymphoma (cancer) in her blood in the prime of life at age 19, this charming young lady has effectively fought and won her battle against the killer disease. But she has not stopped just there.

She is writing which will describe her very own life story and her victory. This will surely inspire many other youths, not only in Rwanda, but from all corners of the world as well, particularly those in the age group between 18-35, as reported by your newspaper, who are similarly afflicted with cancer or for that matter any other life threatening disease.

We wish her every success in the launch of the book and shall strive to support this brave young lady in every possible way.

Clarence Fernandes