A Ballito man given months to live is appealing for help to access life-saving treatment after an aggressive return of his cancer.

Shalen Harsoo (29) has been fighting for his life since a sudden stage 4 cancer diagnosis nearly three years ago.

His ordeal began in March 2023 when he was rushed to Netcare Alberlito Hospital with severe stomach cramps. A CT scan revealed a tumour causing a complete bowel obstruction, leaving doctors with no choice but to operate immediately.

“The surgeon told me my bowel was three times its normal size and close to bursting,” he said.

Emergency surgery saved his life, but complications followed. Within days, he underwent a second major operation and received the devastating news that the tumour was cancerous. Further tests later confirmed the disease had already spread to his liver.

After rehabilitation, Harsoo began chemotherapy at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Despite six cycles, his condition worsened.

“I lost over 30kg and developed permanent nerve damage. It was the hardest time of my life,” he said.

By 2025, his condition had deteriorated severely, with liver failure and fluid build-up leaving him unable to walk.

With limited options, Harsoo turned to private care. Through crowdfunding, he accessed immunotherapy, which initially showed remarkable results.

“After just a few treatments, my tumours shrank significantly. I felt like I had my life back,” he said.

However, the treatment stopped in September 2025 due to financial constraints.

Recent scans in April show the cancer has returned. Doctors have now given him between two and four months to live.

Immunotherapy remains his only option, but it costs up to R60 000 per session every three weeks.

In his last two campaigns, he raised R250 000, but still needs a further R180 000 to continue treatment.

“I am not ready to give up. I just need a chance to keep fighting,” he said.

To assist, contact shalen213@gmail.com, call 066 219 6538 or visit his BackaBuddy page here.