Raising awareness for a little superhero
In his battle against cancer little Oliver is a superhero and as his mom said, ‘superheroes resided in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.’
Creative Academy, in partnership with Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer, hosted a huge shave and spray on February 26 across all four of their campuses in support of one of their learners who was diagnosed with cancer.
Oliver Shrives, a four-year-old learner at the school, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in August 2020.
According to Oliver’s mother, Megan, they took Oliver to a GP for a checkup as he felt discomfort in his stomach. After scans and testing the tumour was discovered and Oliver was referred to a paediatric oncology specialist.
Around a month ago Oliver had a highly successful operation to remove most of the tumour. “It was almost like an octopus with tentacles wrapped around his organs,” said Megan. “The surgeon was brilliant and they were able to remove 98 per cent of the tumor.”
Oliver is now receiving chemo treatment. While the treatment, commonly referred to as the red devil, has affected little Oliver he is responding well to it.
“He is amazing. He is such a fighter and taking it in his stride,” said Megan.
For the Shrives family, it is very important to raise awareness surrounding neuroblastomas to help other families diagnose it early.
“It is something so simple. All the symptoms are very similar to other conditions but parents and especially doctors should be vigilant regarding such dangers,” said Megan.
“There is an international treatment available but at the moment it is not viable due to the expense. I hope we can bring this treatment to South Africa.
“The school is amazing. I have no words,” said Megan. “Especially to Jenna Axsel. She is like our own guardian angel. You and your team at the school are amazing.
“I really hope we can raise for all our superheroes or who have fought such big battles. As the saying goes ‘superheroes resided in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.’”
