In late 2024, Jaco Pretorius thought he was facing something as ordinary as a dental abscess. Multiple visits to his dentist, several courses of antibiotics, and even drainage procedures followed, but the swelling and pain kept returning.

By February, when his cheek became severely swollen, he sought a second opinion, a decision that changed everything.

Specialists at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital confirmed devastating news. Jaco had squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.

Already spreading and causing unbearable pain, the cancer left him struggling to eat and speak. Despite needing urgent surgery, delays in the public health system meant Jaco was left waiting, in pain, and unable to work.

Reaching out for help
At this point, Jaco’s sister-in-law, Taryn Pretorius, learnt about the East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly the Hospice East Rand, through the Cancer Alliance Foundation.

“Salome referred me because he was suffering so much. He wasn’t getting the pain management he needed. We were desperate,” she recalls.

A phone call was all it took. Within hours, Sister Lindiwe from the ERPC arrived to meet the family.

“It was so easy. They explained everything, and from that day, they were just there for us,” Taryn shares.

Care that made a difference
The ERPC team stepped in where others had not. Daily visits brought pain relief, wound care and comfort. Jaco had been left to manage a severe open wound himself for months. The ERPC took over this care and taught his family how to dress the wound correctly.

“They helped Jaco so much. Literally, he had cancer eating his flesh away, and they managed his pain and cared for his wounds. They showed us we weren’t alone.”

Even when Jaco was admitted to the hospital, the ERPC didn’t stop checking in.

“They still phone me at least twice a week to see how he’s doing. It’s not just about ticking off another patient. They care, even when he’s not at home.”

The support extended beyond the physical. ERPC social worker visited Jaco to provide emotional support during one of the most difficult times of his life.

A message for other families
Taryn feels strongly that more people should know of the ERPC’s services.

“I’ve shared their number with so many people because I’ve seen the difference they made for Jaco. If you’re suffering, if the pain is too much, you don’t have to wait months for help.

“The ERPC is there for wound care, pain management and emotional support. I wish more patients knew about it,” she says.

She also expressed gratitude.

“If it wasn’t for the ERPC, I don’t know where we would be. They’re doing an amazing job, and I wish they had more support and recognition for what they do.”

Why this story matters
Jaco’s journey is one of courage, but it also highlights the critical role of palliative care. While medical treatments and surgeries are essential, palliative care ensures no one has to face pain and fear alone.

For Jaco and his family, the ERPC has been more than healthcare. It has been hope, compassion and comfort amid uncertainty.