Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Young boy honours late brother through rugby

As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, one Boksburg family’s story stands as a powerful reminder of both the fragility and resilience of young lives touched by cancer.

For Pedrie van Coller (12), the rugby field became both a sanctuary and a stage for a moving tribute to his late brother Jandré (8), who died in July last year after a brave battle with cancer.

To honour Jandré a year after his passing, Pedrie participated in the RhinoWeek, a rugby event that both he and Jandré deeply loved. It became a space of remembrance, resilience and connection.

Despite the heavy emotional burden, he gave his all, playing not just for himself, but for the sibling he lost.

His mother, Angélique, shared her reflections on what that moment and the days that followed meant to their family.

“Though my heart ached, knowing the weight he carried, Pedrie played with unwavering passion. Rugby became more than just a game; it became a tribute,” she said.
Angélique and her husband, Pierre, took time to reflect on their son’s emotional journey – one marked by profound grief, but also incredible growth.

“Today, my husband and I looked back on Pedrie’s year, and we were overwhelmed with respect, not just for how he’s grown in skill, but in heart and in faith.

“Through one of the hardest seasons of his life – a season many adults never face – he leaned into what he and his brother loved most. And in doing so, he found his way to healing.”

The pain of loss was deeply felt, especially during moments when Pedrie would have expected his brother’s support.

“It wasn’t fair. Pedrie deserved to hear Jandré’s cheerful voice echoing from the sidelines. Instead, he had to summon the courage to believe that God allowed his brother to witness his victories from heaven’s windows.”

On the first anniversary of Jandré’s passing, what the family calls his “Heaven Day”, they chose to spend it in a way that felt true to who he was.

“I believe we spent Jandré’s first day in heaven in the most meaningful way possible, together, doing what brought him joy. From the sideline, I saw a comfort in Pedrie that was quiet, steady, and deeply personal.”

As September draws near, Angélique sees Child Cancer Awareness Month as more than a campaign – it’s a call to honour children like Jandré, who showed immense courage in the face of illness, and families who continue to carry their love forward.

“Jandré was more than his illness. He was laughter, curiosity, and love. During this month of awareness, we carry his memory with us and stand with every family walking this difficult path. No child should face cancer, but if they do, may they be surrounded by the kind of love that gives them courage, and by communities that remember them, always.”

Angelique concluded with a message of pride and faith, holding firm to the belief that even in heartbreak, there is healing.

“I am so proud of both my boys; their strength, their courage and the way Pedrie continues to honour his beloved baby brother. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.’- Psalm 147:3.”

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