West family asks for help as medical woes mount
“We believe and trust that God will carry us as a family in this challenging time.”
A Pretoria West family’s life has been irrevocably changed by the cancer that struck its 12-year-old son.
Reuben Pretorius was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on September 14 last year after complaining about extreme pain in and bruising of his wrist.
Tests confirmed the grim diagnosis. Parents, Andre and Marinda say that while the news had been hard to take, their faith remains solid nonetheless.
“Reuben is our miracle child whom we had to waited six years for. Doctors said we would never conceive naturally but God decided otherwise,” said Marinda.
“We were very shocked when we got this news but we are fighting it with great faith and a positive attitude through everything.”
Andre is a qualified boilermaker, and mother Marinda a sign language interpreter and hostel mother at Transoranje school for the deaf, where the family currently lives.
“Since Reuben’s diagnosis, he is being treated with chemo every second day. He also had eight radiotherapy sessions. Multiple blood transfusions were given,” Marinda continued.
The young boy also faces an intense 10-month treatment plan set up by his paediatric oncologist and is required to visit his treatment facility every two days, then once a week from next year followed by once a month in 2025. In total, the treatment plan is for about three years.
“Chemo and radiation are very heavy on Reuben’s body. It makes him very tired and his immune system response is very low at this stage. He cannot attend school and friends must be kept at a distance for now,” Marinda stated.
Reuben is said to be loved and known by the deaf learners where his family stays, the 12-year-old is also fluent in sign language. Due to his physical ailments, however, Reuben will have to attend online school this year.
“We as a family are facing an immense crisis.”
Apart from Reuben’s setback with cancer, Andre has had a shoulder operation, followed by neck surgery in December. He has had to quit his job due to his own medical problems, as well as having to take care of his son.
Reuben also was admitted to hospital during the same time with a blood clot and lung as well as blood infections. The family’s rising costs include transportation to and from hospital, special diet for Reuben, new clothes due to weight loss, and certain medications that aren’t covered by medical aid.
Since his diagnosis, Reuben has had a hard time physically and emotionally. The young boy does not socialise much due to his condition, and his parents have to keep him entertained and engaged. Despite the circumstances, Marinda says her boy is still filled with joy and enjoys working in his vegetable garden.
A Backabuddy (www.backabuddy.co.za/reuben-pretorius) project was created, and Cupcakes for Hope has been supporting the family from November last year.
“We believe and trust that God will carry us as a family in this challenging time. Any support anyone can offer or organising an event will be highly appreciated,” Marinda concluded.
For more information contact the family on marindaprt@gmail.com or 071 516 2015.
You can also follow Reuben’s journey on Facebook: Marinda Esterhuizen Pretorius and TikTok: i_am_only_me_99
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