Stanger Manor Secondary bone cancer survivor hopes to start varsity with a prosthetic leg

Bone cancer claimed the leg of 17-year-old Promise van Rooyen, who is raising funds for a prosthetic as she prepares for her new life at university next year.

An avid athlete at school, life changed drastically for Promise one day in 2017 when she was running track at school and collapsed.

She was taken to hospital where doctors discovered she had bone cancer.

She was devastated when they told her that they would have to amputate her left leg.

“They told me that they must amputate my leg before cancer spread through my body. Amputation was the only choice I had to survive.”

Having lost her parents at a young age, Promise’s sisters authorised the amputation as her legal guardians.

“It was probably the hardest thing that we as a family ever had to do.”

In order to live the best life possible, and make attending varsity – often difficult for the disabled – manageable, the Stanger Manor Secondary matriculant from Madundube, inland from KwaDukuza, has started a fundraiser to buy a prosthetic leg.

She needs R100 000.

“The past five years have been the hardest in my life and having to go through all this hardship without my parents didn’t make this journey any easier. I am extremely grateful to my family and everyone around me for their endless support.”

Along with the loss of her leg, Promise also lost her independence.

Despite this, she has grown stronger and has adapted to her new way of life.

“I have had to deal with the insensitive people in our society. Some stop and stare, others even go to the extent of asking questions. But through it all, I still came out with a positive mindset. I am going to complete my matric and go to varsity next year,” said Promise, who plans to become a lawyer.

Being away from family means Promise will need all the help she can get.

KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu, who is also an amputee, heard about Promise and arranged to meet her.

They met last Thursday and swopped stories.

Bongani was also 17 when he lost his leg in a car accident.

“I thought it was over with my sport and lifeguarding career. But look where I am today,” he said.

Bongani appealed to the community to help Promise meet her goal.

“I am using a prosthetic and know the difference it will make in her life,” he said.

To help Promise, contact her at 063 0633 764. Alternatively, contact her brother-in-law Mondli Gumede at 073 916 0822 or her sister Pretty Gumede at 072 445 3344.