A warrior named Alexander: One family’s battle with childhood brain cancer

GEORGE NEWS - As parents, nothing can prepare you for the moment you hear the words, “Your child has cancer.”

Our son, Alexander Rhodes, was just 11 years old when he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in September 2023 - the most aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer.

At the time, Alexander was in Grade 5 at Holy Cross Primary School in Cape Town. He was a happy, energetic boy who loved sports, adored his friends, and tackled life with boundless enthusiasm. Everything changed overnight.

Shortly after his diagnosis, Alexander underwent major brain surgery at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. There was a real fear he might not be able to speak again, but in true Alexander fashion, he amazed everyone. The surgery was a success, and he recovered so well that the surgeon called him a “poster child for brain surgery.”

Although the operation was a triumph, it came with heartbreak. Alexander could no longer participate in contact sports - something he loved dearly. Despite this, he returned to school with courage and a smile, determined to adjust to his new reality.

A genetic analysis of Alexander’s tumor revealed that conventional chemotherapy would be ineffective. So we began searching for alternative options. In May 2024, a follow-up MRI showed the beginnings of a new tumor. With hope in our hearts, Alexander and I traveled to India to begin a specialized treatment protocol.

But just one day into treatment, Alexander began experiencing intense headaches. An emergency MRI revealed that the tumor had grown rapidly - surgery was urgently needed. We made the difficult decision to fly back to Cape Town, where his medical team knew him best.

On 15 October 2024, Alexander underwent his second brain surgery - a six-hour procedure to remove a tumor the size of a cricket ball. He amazed us once again with his strength and resilience. After recovery, he began six weeks of radiation therapy, combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help reduce side effects. He rang the radiation bell on 25 January 2025.

If you passed Alexander on the street, you’d never guess he had endured two brain surgeries and intensive radiotherapy. Standing tall at 1.8 meters and wearing a size 12 shoe, he looked like any other teenage boy. But inside, he was fighting a battle no child should ever face.

He returned to school part-time, though the fatigue from treatment made it difficult to concentrate for long periods. Then, in July 2025, we received devastating news during a routine MRI: a new tumor had appeared - this time inoperable. It was located behind his left eye and sinuses, in an area too complex and risky for surgical intervention.

Still, we refused to give up hope. Under the guidance of a dedicated team of specialists, we continued a tailored treatment plan. But the tumor has since taken Alexander’s vision. Today, he is blind (though we are clinging to the hope that reducing the pressure might allow his right optic nerve to recover and restore some sight).

We are now in a race against time.

Despite everything, Alexander remains incredibly brave and positive. His spirit is unbreakable, and he continues to fight with quiet strength and unwavering courage. He has an army of people praying for his miraculous healing and every single message, prayer, and act of kindness fuels our journey.

September is a difficult month for our family. It marks the anniversary of Alexander’s diagnosis, and it is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Too many people are still afraid to talk about it, but we need to.

Behind closed doors, so many children like Alexander are fighting for their lives. Awareness leads to funding, and funding leads to better treatments. It’s that simple.

To everyone who has supported us through prayers, donations, meals, and emotional encouragement, thank you. This is not a journey any family should face alone.

We invite you to join us at the upcoming Spring Cake Fair, where all proceeds will go directly to Alexander’s treatment fund. Together, let’s raise awareness, bring hope, and help Alexander continue his fight.

Because no child should have to face this battle — but if they must, let them never walk it alone.