Boy loses finger due to aggressive cancer

A young boy from Capital Park in Pretoria gives new meaning to the words “child warrior”. Eight-year-old Danie Kruger is battling an advanced form of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in his right hand.

This comes after he lost his father and his baby cousin in 2020.

“Danie is a unique boy. He is extremely intelligent and has always had to grow up very quickly. He is the fierce protector of his sister, who is one year younger, and now he is the man of the house since his father passed away in June last year.

“He’s had a tough start to life as he was born with a defect in his right elbow, but the family later learned that he was indeed born without the right elbow.

“He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in his right hand on 20 September 2020 after coming home with a swollen hand,” said Sanet Gouws, Danie’s grandmother.

Danie is being treated at Steve Biko academic hospital in the child oncology department. His mother, Minette, is by his side and doesn’t leave Danie’s bed each time he is admitted to hospital.

“By the time the doctors discovered the cancer, the tumour was already three months old. It was originally thought that it wouldn’t be necessary to amputate but this week they decided if they want the cancer to stop progressing, they had to amputate his middle finger on his right hand, Sanet explained.

“This type of cancer requires six sessions of chemotherapy, then surgery to remove the cancer (in Danie’s case, it resulted in amputation) and then another eight sessions of chemo is required. This is where we are now.”

Sanet told Rekord that according to the doctors, Ewing’s Sarcoma is one of the rarest cancers among children, but that children around the ages of 10 and 15 are most likely to get it.

“Only 1% of children with cancer, are diagnosed with Ewing’s,” she said.

“I can’t describe this child’s strength to you, he has always been a target of nasty comments and bullying. Being different with his elbow has always made people take notice of him, being diagnosed with cancer has strengthened him, it has made him a warrior.

“The family trauma over the last year has just reinforced our faith in God to stand strong, stick together and hang tight until the storm passes,” she said.

“This little boy walks around, talks to medical staff and keeps going even when his blood counts restrict him from doing so. Sometimes the doctors can’t believe he walks around, eats or even participates in conversations. I am in awe of my grandson,” Sanet told Rekord.

Danie is an exemplary learner at school, all while battling this deadly disease. In 2020 he completed grade 2 at Laerskool Mayville where he received two golden certificates for outstanding school work.

“He is currently learning online, which has benefitted him so much and has made things easier due to Covid.”

Danie and his family are struggling, but not with medical bills.

Sanet told Rekord that although the financial strain of caring for her daughter and her two children are weighing heavy on the family, she just wants to see her grandson happy.

“Danie’s diet has had to be adapted quite significantly due to his illness and all the medications. He is on a special diet that requires him to consume meat twice a day. That can become quite expensive, but other than that, we are fine.”

According to Sanet, Danie enjoys playing Xbox and although they have been gifted one, they would really appreciate if the community can contribute towards some games he can play on Xbox.

“This is something that he doesn’t need a lot of strength to enjoy, so I think it would just really make his day if we can find some games, whether second-hand or new, for him to play with,” Sanet concluded.

If you would like to assist Sanet in caring for Danie or donate an Xbox game, feel free to contact Sanet on 064-432-7300.

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