One of Stepping Stone Hospice’s dedicated staff members, with the help of her husband, took it upon herself to make an 18-year-old patient’s dream a reality.

Donovan Watson has just turned 18, but he won’t see 19. After battling bone cancer three times, the tumours have become chemo-resistant and are now pressing against his oesophagus. His doctors have given him only a few months to live.

Donovan’s life has been a series of battles. He lost the bone in his leg to cancer, and the disease has since spread to his back. Wheelchair-bound and in constant pain, he still spends his days making those around him laugh and playing board games.

Donovan was only 14 when he was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He has fought bone cancer not once, not twice, but three times. And now, after three rounds of chemotherapy, the tumours have become resistant, pressing against his oesophagus and stealing even the simplest comforts.

Yet, there is something almost impossible about his joy, for it is completely, unmistakably real.

Wanting to put a smile on his face, a Stepping Stone staff member learned of Donovan’s love for cars and generously arranged for him to be driven in his dream car, a red Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, thanks to a local resident whose heart was moved when he met Donovan at the five-star APCC and CoHSASA-accredited hospice.

Donovan described the experience of being in his dream car, reportedly one of a kind in the country, as truly unforgettable.

“Believe it or not, the Corvette is my favourite car; I was happy it was not a Porsche. The car made a beautiful sound, and this American car is made for taking off. I love cars, especially Japanese-made cars. Being able to ride in such a luxurious car again is one to scratch off my list. I’m grateful to the lovely lady who organised this wonderful experience,” he said.

He also extended his appreciation to the entire Stepping Stone team: “It really doesn’t feel like I’m in a hospital. It feels like I’m at a safe place, not home, but a safe place.

“I’m speechless. Before coming here, I thought there were no more good people left. But after this whole experience and being here, I can confidently say there are still good people in this world.”

His girlfriend, Tania van Zyl, shared: “He really enjoyed himself. He looked at the car with wide eyes and lit up with a big smile, and after the ride, he wouldn’t stop saying, ‘It was so nice and fast!’ He is truly living in the moment.”

Marlise de Abreu, who connected with Donovan on Facebook after the young man was in desperate need of transport to the hospital, has been driving him to appointments for four years. She has since become like a second mother to him.

“It’s a privilege to be able to help him. I would drive him to hospitals and sit for hours until his chemotherapy was finished. I love Donovan to bits,” she said.

Donovan has fought harder than most people ever will. He has loved deeply, laughed freely, and faced the unthinkable with a grace that leaves everyone around him quietly in awe.

Tersia Burger, Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO, said: “We believe that every person in our care deserves not just comfort and dignity, but also joy and moments that make life feel full, even in the hardest of seasons. We are deeply honoured to walk alongside him on this journey, and humbled beyond words that he calls Stepping Stone his home away from home.

“We are so grateful to our staff member for organising this out of the goodness of her heart.”

Stepping Stone Hospice in Alberton offers palliative care and support for life-limiting illnesses, including home-based nursing, inpatient units, and bereavement counselling.

To find out more about Stepping Stone or to show your support, contact 010 442 5059 or email: fundraising@steppingstonehospice.co.za