Personal message

After enduring viral infections for an agonizing month, my son Christiaan's once vibrant demeanor began to fade, leaving him pale, yellow, and alarmingly underweight...

Concerned and desperate for answers, we sought medical help, only to be told that everything appeared "normal." Little did we know that a series of harrowing events would unfold, drastically altering the course of our lives.

A few weeks later, Christiaan suffered a fall, breaking a bone in his hand. Shockingly, just 10 days afterward, another bone, this time in his elbow, succumbed to the same fate. As if foreshadowing the impending storm, the Friday before Easter weekend marked the onset of excruciating pain. His entire body ached, and the pallor of his skin intensified. Fearing the worst, we subjected him to X-rays and blood tests, uncovering a devastating truth on April 12.

Our precious 7-year-old, Christiaan Neethling, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and promptly admitted to Tygerberg Hospital. Immediate action was imperative as 95% of his white blood cells were abnormal and immature. Fortunately, no cancer was detected in his spinal cord fluid or brain, providing a glimmer of hope.

However, our journey took an unexpected turn on day 7 of Christian's treatment protocol. Despite our initial optimism, the oncologist confirmed that the chemotherapy was not yielding the anticipated response. Swiftly, he was transitioned to a high-risk plan. After an emotionally draining 28 days, Christian achieved remission, marking a significant victory on day 28.

Yet, the battle is far from over. Childhood leukemia stands as one of the most financially burdensome and enduring forms of cancer. Thus, we find ourselves embarked on a three-year odyssey, with Christian having completed eight months of rigorous chemotherapy.

Now in the "maintenance phase," Christian faces monthly chemotherapy sessions for the next year, coupled with daily doses of chemo medication at home. The road to complete healing stretches ahead, and these next three years are pivotal in ensuring Christian's triumphant recovery.

We stand at a crucial juncture, seeking support to navigate the challenges and secure a future where our brave little warrior can reclaim the joys of a healthy childhood. Join us in this fight for Christiaan's life and help us light the path to his complete healing.