Local fundraiser to assist in medical treatment for girl with cancer

Little Janique Venter (3) has spent the entirety of her short life exposed to so many tests, wires, injections, pills and reports.

Her family is fighting to get her the treatment she deserves, and for that they need to travel to Texas in the United States.

On 23 and 24 October 2020, a bunch of kind strangers – as Janique’s mother Nedine Mukheibir described them, took it upon themselves to host a fundraiser in Centurion to assist the family in covering Janique’s medical expenses projected to be well over R1-million.  

“We’re originally from Bloemfontein, but Janique’s story has gripped the attention of people across the globe.

I am in constant contact with people everywhere, trying to help us. “A while back, a group of ladies from Rooihuiskraal in Centurion contacted me regarding a fundraiser they wanted to host for Janique.

The organiser Natasha Beukes owns the salon called Miracolo Capello, and together with the coffee shop on the premises The Shed, they hosted a shavathon and had a mini market to raise funds,” said Mukheibir. Janique was diagnosed with stage three Neuroblastoma at the age of six months.

The tumour in her neck caused severe complications for the little girl, as it presses against her air pipe, causing her to have serious breathing issues.

“She almost immediately started with chemotherapy, but it hasn’t really helped to shrink the cancer.

The doctors have informed us that it’s also too dangerous to operate to try and remove the tumour, as it is too close to her main artery.”

Before she turned two, a tracheal tube had to be inserted to help her breathe and ensure she doesn’t smother in her sleep.

The family’s main obstacle is the financing to get the adequate treatment for their daughter. “After realising the chemo wasn’t working, the doctors couldn’t do much more.

We got a hold of a Dr Burzynski at a cancer clinic in Texas, United States who is willing to take her treatment further and provide Janique with the necessary treatment to shrink her tumour.”

The family’s virtual consultation with the doctor amounted to R22 000. Natasha Beukes from Miracolo Capello said, “Every year, we feel compelled to do something for people who have to live with cancer.

This year we decided to support Janique, and even though we don’t have big businesses, I guess every bit helps.

“We had cupcake donations, shampoo donations from our suppliers and many other handmade products, but we also had a raffle that people could buy, and many won vouchers from my salon and the coffee shop as prizes,” she said.

“The fundraiser ran over two days, and a wondrous R20 680 was raised.

“We have received so much already, we have a long way to go, but we really appreciate everyone’s contribution.

Thank you to all who are busy working for little people like Janique have a fighting chance,” Mukheibir said.

To make a donation or contact Janique’s family, click here: https://www.facebook.com/Hulp-en-Gebede-vir-prinses-Janique-Help-and-prayers-for-princess-Janique-209879946405118/  

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