Ashley’s Memorable Farewell

Not often do we meet people living with a life-threatening illness who meet it with such courage. This is the story of Ashley Noronha, a bright 28-year-old who lived with CML (chronic myeloid leukaemia) for more than five years.

Ashley grew up in a family that faced constant money worries and health problems. He worked as a receptionist at a hotel in Anjuna, North Goa, even during his cancer treatment at Goa Medical College.

As his health declined over his last six months, his spirit stayed bright. He refused to let pain decide how he would live the rest of his life. He had to give up work and stay home, but he kept going through his illness and growing money worries. He had the help of his elder brothers, Prince and Royston, and the GMC team led by Dr. Anupama Borker, with Sameer Cuncolkar (Cipla Foundation social worker) and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar (Sabrcare social worker).

When he needed constant care, Ashley moved to Shanti Avedna Hospice in Loutolim, under Dr. Mavis Falleiro. Ashley was one of a kind: sharp, bright, entertaining and humble. He never let the illness get the better of him. At the hospice he listened to his favourite hymns, drew, wrote and chatted, and the sisters of Shanti Avedna kept him comfortable.

In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

From Ashley’s favourite hymn, In Christ Alone

“He requested a farewell party!”

On 17 January, the sisters of Shanti Avedna called to tell us that Ashley’s health was getting worse quickly and that he was asking for us. We reached within an hour, expecting the worst, and found him chatting with all the ward sisters. His family gathered around him in sadness, but neither the pain nor his shortness of breath troubled him. Knowing he did not have much time, he asked for something we did not expect.

He requested a farewell party!

He didn’t just request it, he insisted. He wanted his parents, brothers, friends, GMC doctors, social workers and care team to gather for cake, chips and juice. He wanted music and decorations.

He asked one brother to shave him and comb his hair before the party, while his other brother gave him a sponge bath. Sagarika even helped with a little make-up so he could look and feel his best. If someone said they couldn’t come, he would joke, “You will deny me my dying wish?”

Thanks to the sisters of Shanti Avedna, Dr. Mavis, Sameer and Sagarika, we arranged the party in two hours: a hall decorated for Ashley, with cake, chips and juice. We played music and sang, and his family and friends took selfies with him by the photo wall.

He spoke, joked and laughed. He knew he did not have much time, so he kept himself awake. He made sure everyone ate and drank, and kept us entertained with his wit. He even asked for his favourite drink, rum and coke (his doctor, sadly, said no to the rum). Ashley was surrounded by everyone who loved him and stood beside him.

Around 8:30 pm, the sisters told us it was time for him to rest. He didn’t want us to go, and we didn’t want to leave, but we knew he needed his rest.

That night, Ashley fell asleep and did not wake up again.

No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

From Ashley’s favourite hymn, In Christ Alone

Shared with the consent of Ashley’s family.