‘They told us she’d only have a few months left to live,’
Her mom went on to explain that after surgically removing the cancer , it seems to have re-appeared and spread at a tremendous rate through other parts of her body.
During October last year, local 12-year-old, Ianthe Hensberg was diagnosed with a very rare type of cancer, Synovial Sarcoma. This type of soft tissue sarcoma can arise almost anywhere in the body, and has a tendency to occur in young adults.
According to her mother, Yolandi, Ianthe has never been a sickly child, nor were there any symptoms of this life-threatening illness.
“When we discovered a lump on her rib cage, we knew that something was wrong – she has always been an incredibly healthy little girl,” she said.
Shortly thereafter, Ianthe was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently underwent six weeks of chemo and radiation therapy.
Her mom went on to explain that after surgically removing the cancer, it seemed to re-appear, and had spread at a tremendous rate through other parts of her body.
“On 23 August, we were informed of this growing cancer. They told us that even though a specific period cannot be determined, she only has about four to six months left to live,” Yolandi said.
She explained that it is unfortunately not an option for Ianthe to receive any further chemo or radiation therapy, and thus nothing can be done for her.
According to her heartbroken parents, she is an exceptionally friendly, optimistic and outspoken little girl.
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Even though Ianthe has only been at school for two weeks in the past year, her former primary school, Laerskool Ebenhaeser, decided to dedicate this year’s revue performances, which were held in September, to this inspiring young role-model. During each performance, she even made an appearance and danced her heart out.
“She is such an inspiring young girl – since she was diagnosed with this illness she has managed to remain positive and optimistic. I honestly haven’t seen her without a smile, or in any other mood but happy,” Koos Lamprecht, Ebies principal said.
“She portrays so much life and wisdom for such a little girl and without knowing, she inspires so many people. I don’t say this very much, but she truly is a legend.”
Her dad Bernard would also like to reach out to other parents who might find themselves in a position such as theirs.
“This really is a terrible thing to deal with – for any parent. We would just like to let other parents in the same situation know that they are not alone and that there is a support system,” he concluded.
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