Cape Town - His grandmother describes him as a ball of energy, but he only has three months to live unless he can access an expensive medical treatment.
Junaid Arendse, 5, knows to stay away from other sick children because if he gets sick, it means another trip to hospital.
Junaid has stage four neuroblastoma – a type of cancer created from immature nerve cells which can originate anywhere in the body.
Margaret Arendse, his grandmother, said doctors have given Junaid three months to live.
“He is such a cute boy, you would never think he was sick, he is such a busy child. I have sent him to school because he cannot sit still at home,” said Arendse, who is also his legal guardian.
The Arendses live in Portlands in Mitchells Plain.
He has undergone 16 sessions of chemotherapy at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital since the cancer was found in May last year, his grandfather Leon said.
This treatment, however, is no longer sufficient.
The family have now started fund-raising for a topotecan, a type of chemotherapy not available at any public hospital, but which could potentially help Junaid.
Leon said one session of topotecan chemotherapy costs R19 000. Junaid needs at least four sessions, which the family cannot afford.
Margaret says Junaid’s mother is in and out of their home because of her drug addiction, while his father is in and out of jail. Cancer has not stopped Junaid from going to school. He is in Grade R at the Hazeldene Primary in Portlands.
“His teacher has prepared the class for him and to guard against infection. He can’t play outside, so he stays in the class with a few toys and some children,” she said.
Margaret said he was aware of germs and knew he had to wash his hands.
“It is hard for us, but he is a strong boy with a strong will. You will never hear him complain that he is sick. And as soon as we raise the funds, we will start a trial period,” Leon said.
Junaid is currently in Red Cross Hospital after developing a fever a few days ago Health Department spokesperson Darren Francis said the chemotherapy had worked up until a point.
“Patients have to purchase it (topotecan) themselves from a private pharmacy. The chemotherapy used thus far has worked to reduce his disease, but not enough. This is an expensive treatment that the patient needs to undergo and (the family) have been advised to try and raise funds for the necessary medication he requires,” Francis said.
He added that the family were advised that the oral formulation was cheaper and would cost under R10 000.
The Arendses have had a few fundraisers but are still far short of their target. If you are able to help Junaid, you can contact Leon at 072 450 5919, or you can donate money into their account: Standard Bank, account number: 274968142; account type: Puresave Savings account; branch code: 025009.
Cape Times