Young Aliya diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
“I could see he had been crying and that something was not right. He told us he has bad news and that Aliya’s test came back positive for leukaemia," said Mr Salajee.
SECUNDA – It was just a normal day of netball practice for little Aliya Salajee (8). Later that evening, she told her parents she was having pain in her back.
For the most, her parents thought she might have taken a hard knock with a ball during practice.
“We tried to doctor her ourselves with ointment and a heat pack and thought the pain would go away, but the next morning she still complained about her back being sore,” said her father, Mr Imraan Salajee.
Her parents decided to keep her out of school for the day and to see Dr Gerhard van Velze being the family physician and knowing Aliya since birth. Dr Van Velze requested blood tests because he was concerned that Aliya had lost quite a bit of weight since her last visit.
Almost a week went by after the blood samples, when Aliya, on a Sunday morning, suddenly collapsed in the bathroom. Because it being a weekend, Mr Salajee contacted a family friend, Dr Rampersadh, who instructed them to take Aliya to his home.
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Dr Rampersadh checked Aliya’s sugar levels and treated her for dehydration. He advised that more blood tests be done when Aliya goes back to Dr Van Velze. A call from Dr Van Velze on June 2 was a life-changing moment for the Salajee-family. The doctor asked if he could see them at their home.
“The worst thoughts run through your mind, you don’t know what to expect. I could see he had been crying and that something was not right. He told us he has bad news and that Aliya’s test came back positive for leukaemia,” said Mr Salajee.
The whole family broke down in shock at the news. Aliya was in her bedroom and oblivious to what was going on.
“I had to keep strong. I told the doctor I would do whatever needs to be done to get her the necessary treatment,” said Mr Salajee.
Aliya was admitted to Unitas Hospital for more tests, and the leukaemia was confirmed. Her bone marrow had been affected by 67 per cent. Because of her birthday, she asked the doctor if she could be at home to celebrate it with her family and then begin her treatment straight after.
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“We were told every child’s prognosis is different, although this is a long term treatment.”
Prof Janet Poole and her team took over Aliya’s treatment when she was admitted to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Center in Johannesburg on June 7.
“Her first chemotherapy session was immediately after the biopsy,” said Mr Salajee.
By this time, Aliya’s bone marrow had been affected by 80 per cent.
Mr Salajee explained that Aliya has a fear of needles and by that time it had become a problem because of the continuous drawing of blood and the pain she had to go through every day. A decision was made by Prof Jennifer Geel to use a PICC line for when blood needs to be drawn.
Aliya, who is a learner at Curro School in Secunda, chose to dress up as a soldier for their career day in April before the family had come to learn of her illness.
“I asked her why a soldier? She said she wants to help every oppressed person and that she wants to stand up for them,” said Mr Salajee.
When they found out about cancer, Mr Salajee used a soldier as an example to explain to Aliya that she has red blood cells and white blood cells.
He told her that she must picture her blood cells as good soldiers.
“I explained that her white blood cells have become bad and are attacking her red blood cells. The chemo is the soldier that was sent to kill the bad cells but sometimes they end up killing good soldiers, and that is why she would sometimes be sick and begin to lose her hair,” said Mr Salajee.
Mr Salajee said the hair loss is upsetting for Aliya. She loves her long hair and takes pride in her appearance, however, she has made peace with the fact that her hair will grow back.
Mr Salajee explained how strong his wife, Ms Shereen Salajee, has been through all of this. She has not left Aliya’s side the whole time she has been in hospital.
“The support we have been receiving from our community is overwhelming. It is heartwarming to receive so much support, love and prayers from the Secunda community.
“Your prayers are helping us. It gives us strength and I know my daughter will be healed. We are not alone and have a huge support structure,” said Mr Salajee.
He regularly updates his Facebook on Aliya’s progress and shows her every message sent to her.
“It gives us hope and puts a smile on Aliya’s face,” concluded Mr Salajee.
Young Aliya looks forward to returning home soon from the hospital to be with her family and her beloved dog, Simba.
