Sad cancer passing of toddler inspires tradition for Diepsloot foundation
For most children, a fall at daycare means a scratched knee and a lollipop. For little Thandeka Sibanda, a broken arm in 2016 was the beginning of a journey that would change her family forever.
Five-year-old Thandeka Sibanda, who died from a rare kidney cancer in November 2017, has inspired a tradition that lives on to save other children.
Nomsa Mkhwanazi, her aunt, said: “Thandeka was a sweet little girl who loved singing. She did not like fancy food. She preferred pap and amasi. She was the only child at home, so she was spoiled with attention.”
Refilwe ‘Fifi’ Sedumedi, a close friend of Mkwanazi due to them suffering from breast cancer at the same time, became another mom to the late Thandeka. Thandeka’s worries should have been small and playful, like any other five-year-old’s. Instead, she was forced to face a life-threatening illness far bigger than any child should ever have to endure.
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As an outgoing girl, Thandeka was playing on the swing at school when she fell and broke her arm. Her aunt, Nomsa Mkhwanazi, rushed her to Rahima Moosa Child and Mother Hospital in Johannesburg, where they tested her before transporting her to Helen Joseph Hospital for some scans. She was given a bed, and surgery for her arm took place shortly afterwards.
Little did anyone know, little Thandeka was about to be dealt a far worse blow than a broken arm. Soon after being transported back to Rahima Moosa Hospital, and spending some time in the intensive care unit, Thandeka was diagnosed with nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumour, a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects young children.
“According to doctors, the cancer was in her body for a while, but we never noticed any symptoms, except, now and then, she would just have a running tummy,” said Mkwanazi.
“It was a blessing in disguise for her to break her arm. If she hadn’t fallen, we would never have found out.” said Sedumedi.
The treatment was harsh. Chemotherapy, hair loss, and constant hospital visits took a toll on everyone, but Thandeka remained herself through it all. In Ward 286, she was still sharp, still playful. She even caught on to Sedumedi’s quiet attempts to leave.
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“When I needed to go, I’d say I’m going to the bathroom. She’d say, ‘No, just help yourself there, the sisters will clean it up.’ She knew every excuse I had.”
Outside the hospital, their connection carried on. While Sedumedi worked at the radio station, Thandeka and her mother would listen. Hearing her voice on air brought comfort during some of their hardest days. Unfortunately, those hard days turned tragic, when Thandeka passed away.
Thandeka’s mother was never the same after her passing. She kept it to herself, and she cried herself to sleep at times. She refused to give away any of Thandeka’s items, and, sadly, passed away due to depression three years later, buried on the same grave as her daughter.
“I decided it was too much,” said Sedumedi. “I needed to do something for her memory to live on.” That decision led to the creation of the Sedumedi Hope Foundation, a way to honour Thandeka and support other families facing similar battles.
What started as a birthday celebration in the hospital, has now become a yearly tradition. Every January 17, the foundation returns to the ward to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging to young patients.
With Good Friday approaching, Sedumedi is appealing to the public for donations to help make the day memorable for the children spending Easter in the hospital.
“To donate or volunteer, please feel free to reach out directly at 081 571 2677 or email fifised77@gmail.com.”
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