Shakaskraal teen fights rare cancer with ‘warrior spirit’

What better way to celebrate International Cancer Day (February 4) than with the news of a Shakaskraal teenager who has just entered his final phase of treatment and recovery from a rare type of cancerous tumour known as Ewing Sarcoma.

Kyle Naidoo (14) was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma – a cancer which grows in bones and soft tissue – months after first injuring his right leg which left him with a pain which he said would simply not go away.

Months passed, but the pain did not. Kyle’s mother Jessica opted to take him to Victoria Hospital where they consulted an orthopedic surgeon who although suspected cancer, referred them to a top specialist in the field, Dr Keith Hosking.

Seeing the specialist meant the family would have to gather their resources and plan a trip to Cape Town where Dr Hosking was based. Days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.

“Throughout all of this Kyle remained strong and positive.

“He kept telling me that it was fine as long as they did not cut his leg off,” said his mom, Jessica.

Chemotherapy started at Parklands Hospital’s oncology department in Durban with the hope of reducing the size of the tumour.

With bills piling up and Jessica’s husband struggling to find contract work, options to continue treatment were running low.

“While I was at Parklands a lady there told me about Cupcakes of Hope,” said Jessica.

The proud mother said she found it difficult to ask for help but after making the first step, has never regretted it.

Cupcakes of Hope came to the rescue, even upgrading the family’s bathroom to ease Kyle’s bathing routine.

The organisation later joined hands with Wings and Wishes to help get Kyle back to Cape Town for an important operation.

Seventeen days later, including five in the hospital’s intensive care unit, Kyle was released and Durban-bound for a second round of chemo.

Symbolic of the family’s solidarity, they all cut their hair short.

While Kyle’s future looks much brighter with x-rays remaining clear, a week of intense physiotherapy will soon be scheduled in Cape Town.

“You need to come to terms with the situation as soon as possible and remember as a mother there is only so much that you can do.

“Hold fast to your faith in God, with Him there is always hope,” said Jessica.

Founder of Cupcakes of Hope, Sandy Cipriano said Kyle’s story was one of hope and courage.

“He truly is a warrior,” she said.

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