The family of Abigail Kamffer is appealing to the community for financial support as the toddler undergoes intensive treatment for lymphoblastic lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer.

While the family has medical aid, Kamffer’s father, Quinton, said they have been advised that not all treatment-related expenses will be covered, placing increasing financial pressure on the family during an already devastating time.

“The medical aid is only going to cover about 80%. She’s seen different specialists, anaesthetists, neurosurgeons and oncologists. There are all the blood tests, scans and other expenses. In the long run, it’s not going to cover everything,” he explained.

The family recently launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help cover treatment shortfalls and ensure Abigail receives the best possible care throughout her recovery.

A family’s nightmare

On May 15, Abigail was doing what most 22-month-olds do – running around, playing and enjoying her day.

When her mother fetched her from school, she happily ran towards her. By the following morning, she could no longer use her legs.

“We rushed her to hospital because we didn’t know what was wrong,” said Quinton. “After a series of tests and an MRI scan, doctors discovered a large growth on her spine. It was a very big shock for us,” he said.

Abigail underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumour, a procedure that lasted approximately three-and-a-half hours.

Further testing later confirmed a diagnosis of lymphoblastic lymphoma.

“We just looked at each other. We didn’t even know what to say. It was the biggest shock of my life,” Quinton said.

The family is still awaiting bone marrow test results, which will help doctors determine whether the cancer has spread.

A brave little fighter

Abigail has since started chemotherapy and will continue receiving treatment over the coming months, returning to the hospital regularly for treatment and monitoring.

The tumour compressed her spine and caused nerve damage, leaving the toddler unable to walk.

“One day she was running around doing her own thing and the next day she couldn’t walk. I just want to see my baby running around again, playing and being healthy.”

Despite the challenges she faces, Abigail continues to inspire those around her with her strength and resilience.

“She’s an amazing little girl. She’s tough. She gets chemo, she gets poked with a needle and goes through all these things, but every now and then she’ll still give you a smile,” said Quinton.

The emotional toll on the family has been immense.

“This is probably the worst thing that could ever happen to a family. We just live day by day,” he said.

The situation has also affected Abigail’s older brother, who has had to adjust to major changes at home while the family takes precautions to protect Abigail’s weakened immune system.

“His whole life has also been thrown upside down. He loves his sister so much.”

Community support needed

In addition to the emotional strain, the family is facing growing financial challenges.

Quinton, who is self-employed, has been unable to work consistently while helping care for his daughter.

The family hopes the funds raised will assist with treatment-related costs not covered by medical aid, specialist consultations, physiotherapy, caregiving support and other expenses that may arise during Abigail’s cancer journey.

“I just want to do what’s best for my girl,” he said.

Quinton said the support received from friends, relatives and community members has already made a significant difference.

“I look at the donations coming in and there are people on there that I don’t even know. There are really angels out there. There are really people who do care,” he said.

While the road ahead remains uncertain, the family’s focus remains on helping Abigail regain her health and enjoy her childhood once again.

“What keeps us hopeful is God, prayer and the amazing doctors we’ve had. I just want to see my baby healthy again.”

Community members who would like to support Abigail’s treatment journey can do so through the family’s BackaBuddy fundraising campaign: Baby Abigail.
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