Community rallies as Ballito’s Nico Viljoen fights cancer battle

From fighting on the battlefield to fighting a life threatening disease, Ballito’s Nico Viljoen is currently facing a war that both him and his family are determined he will win – but he needs your help.

The 46-year-old ex-soldier who currently works in Ballito as the group general manager for operations at Ensure Security, was recently diagnosed with Recurrent Metastatic Melanoma Cancer, which is likely caused from excessive time spent out in the harsh Iraq sun during his service there many years ago.

What started as a small mole that needed to be removed from his arm just over a year ago, led to the recent diagnosis and the start of a long and tough journey ahead.

While treatment is available, it will require a trip abroad to receive it, as it is currently unavailable in South African.

The specialised treatment is available at the Sheba Medical Centre in Israel which has been recommended to Viljoen by doctors, as this particular treatment has seen very positive results in other patients with similar symptoms.

After hearing about Umhlanga resident Claire Hodgson’s metastatic melanoma diagnosis and her visit to Israel to receive similar treatment, Viljoen’s family has been in constant contact with Hodgson’s family who have offered great support and advice.

Long road ahead

While there is a long and difficult road ahead, Viljoen, who currently lives in Hillcrest, is no stranger to living under harsh conditions, sacrificing most of his own life for the sake of others while working both here in SA and abroad.

This includes time in Iraq; Afghanistan; joining the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment; the SAPS Riot Unit No 9 and Durban Reaction Unit, to name a few.

“Words escape me when I think of all the support I have received from everyone,” said Viljoen.

“I would like to make special mention of my mom, Janet and fiance, Tracy who have been there for me, as well as all my other supporters who have been there for me in so many ways.”

While the father of four has an incredible support system behind him, he is in desperate need of financial assistance to get him to Israel.

“It is extremely urgent that we get him over to Israel as soon as possible,” said his fiance, Tracy, who recently started a Back-A-Buddy page where people can donate towards the treatment costs.

“Every single second counts as the condition worsens day by day, so we don’t have time to wait.”

Funds raised will be used to cover the treatment costs at Sheba Medical Centre.

Currently R132 432,32 of the R500 000 needed has been donated.

Those who would like to donate can visit the page HERE.

• The next fundraiser will be hosted at Katmandu on Friday, May 3 from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. There is a weekend away at Rhino River Lodge up for grabs as well as a Johnnie Walker hamper, a tequila hamper, Lou K Plimsoles and many more. Raffle tickets are on sale for R100 each. Sell below for a growing list of prizes. Your R300 ticket purchase will be used to cover food and donate to the cancer fund. Bookings essential. Contact Sam on 081 432 1137.

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