GEORGE NEWS - Ten local children who are undergoing cancer treatment were blessed with a generous Christmas parcel each during the past week thanks to the caring heart of Alexander Rhodes, a 13-year-old boy who is fighting his own cancer battle.
Alexander, his sister Avia and his mom, Marelize, shared precious moments this past week with the other families, not only bringing joy to the children, but also uplifting the spirits of the parents with their kind-hearted gesture.
Five of the children and their families met with the Rhodes’s at the Trail Kiosk on Saturday 20 December where their gifts were handed over and they got to chat and share with one another. The other five, who were unable to travel, got their parcels delivered to them at their homes.
The Rhodes family’s own experience of the financial and emotional strain that come with cancer, motivated Alexander to reach out to others in a similar situation to help lighten their burden.
Marelize says the initiative received overwhelming response from people in their own support network of family and friends as well as businesses that donated generously.
They were able to hand out vouchers from Geronimo / Timber Wolf Spur, Debonairs. Pick n Pay (Pre-cap), Pick n Pay (Sedgefield), Montecello Restaurant, Prince of Tarts, Van Rensburgs Butchery / Foods, Trail Kiosk, Ground Zero and Speelplaas.
Vouchers were also bought from Pick n Pay Clothing, Ackermans, Toys R Us, Bargain Books and Woolworths through donated funds and through Alexander's support groups.
“Each joy box, as we call the boxes containing vouchers, is different and packed according to each person’s needs and circumstances. People contacted us to make contributions, and that was used to match vouchers Rand for Rand. We are immensely grateful for each and every donation.
“We are hoping to grow the initiative so that we can spread the joy further in future. We have started a special Instagram and Facebook page, Alexander’s Christmas Wish, to spread the message. We are hoping that we can do more next year.”
Alexander has glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive brain cancer which has left him blind. He underwent surgery and conventional therapy, but the tumour returned and surgery is not an option anymore. He is now receiving immunotherapy, among other treatments, while being supported by a team of specialists.
Cleawin Davids (5) has leukaemia. With him are his grandmother, Stella, who looks after him. Cleawin's wish was for a dump truck.
Marelize Rhodes with Lvulwethu (6). Her wish was a doll and clothes.
Amila (11) has leukaemia. Her wish was a tablet and clothes.
Elethu (17), shortly back from Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town for treatment. She wished for clothes, but got more. She loves reading, so her packet also included books and Bargain Book vouchers.
Jiniquin Botha (6) was recently still in a wheelchair, but has started walking again. He wanted Paw Patrol gifts and a fire truck.
Marlo (9) received his gift from Avia, Alexander's sister. Alexander was took tired to hand out all the gifts himself after receiving treatment.
Eben Willemse (6), a leukaemia patient just finished with his treatments, and his mom, Elzette, with Alexander.
Njabulo Lubisi (3) has leukaemia. His wish was 'anything car'. Alexander's sister, Avia (10) , did the handover.
Read a previous article:
Cancer-fighting team inspires drive to help others
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