Palliative care brings hope to Kempton Park man battling cancer

What began as what seemed to be a simple dental abscess in late 2024 turned into a life-changing diagnosis for Kempton Park resident Jaco Pretorius.

After multiple visits to the dentist, courses of antibiotics, and drainage procedures, Pretorius continued to experience pain and swelling.

When his cheek became severely inflamed in February 2025, he sought a second opinion – a decision that changed everything.

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Specialists at Joburg General Hospital diagnosed him with squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. By then, the disease had already begun spreading, leaving him in constant pain and struggling to eat and speak.

Despite requiring urgent surgery, Pretorius faced long delays within the public healthcare system, leaving him unable to work and in severe discomfort.

Fortunately, help came through East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand, after his sister-in-law, Taryn Pretorius, learned about their services through the Cancer Alliance Foundation.

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

“A simple phone call was all it took. Within hours, Sister Lindiwe from ERPC arrived to meet the family. They explained everything, and from that day, they were just there for us.”

The ERPC team stepped in where others could not. Their daily visits brought professional wound care, pain relief, and much-needed comfort.

For months, Jaco had been forced to care for a severe open wound on his own. ERPC took over his care and trained the family on how to manage it properly.

“They helped Jaco so much,” said Taryn.

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“He literally had cancer eating away at his flesh, and they were the ones who managed his pain and cared for his wounds.

“They showed us we weren’t alone. Even when he was admitted to hospital, they kept calling to check in. They don’t just tick boxes, they truly care.”

Beyond medical support, ERPC’s social worker provided emotional counselling, ensuring Jaco received holistic care during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

Taryn now advocates for greater awareness of ERPC’s services.

“If you’re suffering, if the pain is too much, you don’t have to wait months for help,” she said.

“ERPC is there for wound care, for pain management, for emotional support. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where we would be.

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“They do an amazing job, and I wish they had more support and recognition for what they do.”

Jaco Pretorius’ story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. It highlights the vital role palliative care plays in supporting patients and families beyond traditional medical treatment.

For the Pretorius family, East Rand Palliative Care has been more than a healthcare provider – it has been a source of compassion, dignity, and strength in the face of uncertainty.