A happy child who was always laughing, dancing and smiling is how the family of Macayla Coetzee will remember her.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoma leukemia in December 2020, the six-year-old succumbed to the disease at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital on Monday afternoon after being in remission for a year.
This type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow affects white blood cells and hinders the body’s ability to fight infection.
Macayla’s mom Tarryn Hurter (36) told the Brakpan Herald on Tuesday that the cancer recurrence was detected only last week.
The week prior to her relapse, the little Brakpan girl had enjoyed her first day of Grade One at Laerskool Die Arend.
A photo captured on the day shows Macayla full of pride as she posed in her neat school uniform. Sadly, it was her only day in Grade One.
“She couldn’t wait to go to school,” Tarryn said as she broke down in tears.
“But then we were back and forth to the hospital again because she wasn’t well. Last week it was medical test after test after test.
“We were then told the cancer was back. On Saturday, she was moved to critical care and on Sunday they tried everything to help her.”
Macayla’s health deteriorated rapidly and she died the following day.
Her unexpected death has blindsided everyone close to her.
Macayla’s story was first featured in a February 2021 edition of the Herald and detailed her parents’ fears and financial hardships as they navigated their child’s health battle while the country was still in the grasp of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also read: ‘We just have to hope’
Just a toddler at the time, Macayla was put on a three-year treatment plan, which included chemotherapy, blood transfusions and more.
During one phase of grueling treatment, Macayla was at the hospital five days a week.
The lives of Tarryn and Macayla’s father Daniel Coetzee (37) revolved around their daughter’s treatment. The diagnosis was devastating to the family, which includes two older siblings, Ruzaan and Donovin (both 16), but they were hopeful.
Tarryn, who works at a local fishing supply store, was only able to work over weekends because of the daily hospital visits.
Daniel, a security guard, was getting home during the early morning hours only to leave shortly thereafter to drive to the hospital where Macayla was receiving treatment.
The petrol and parking fees required for the daily trips to Johannesburg added to their expenses.
Support from family, friends and community members, however, saw the family through difficult times.
Macayla was again featured in the Herald when she returned to crèche in September 2021 after responding well to treatment.
Also read: Classmates welcome back Macayla
After a nine-month absence, she was delighted to be reunited with her friends.
Her health had improved and all indications pointed to a recovery.
She was no longer quiet and withdrawn and her mom described her at the time as bubbly, happy and very cheeky.
The worse seemed behind them when Macayla went into remission, and Tarryn shared how her daughter was happiest playing with dolls, riding her bicycle, listening to music and watching YouTube videos.
Now, in addition to dealing with immeasurable grief and heartbreak, the family is in need of financial assistance for funeral expenses.
An appeal has been made for donations. The banking details to donate are: M Coetzee, Capitec, account number: 161 372 0201.
“I just want to thank everyone who has ever helped us with anything for Macayla,” concluded Tarryn.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support. We are so grateful.”
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 on February 7 at the PPK Kerk, Lighuis Gemeente in Brenthurst.
