Community rallies behind baby Ahana at Puntans Hill Sports Club fundraiser

Puntans Hill Sports Club hosted a heartfelt event that showcased the strength of community spirit. In celebration of its 8th birthday, the club partnered with Nitro Crews to organise a fundraiser for baby Ahana Dhanuk, a young girl battling a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

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Seano Naidoo, director of Puntans Hill Sports Club, emphasised the club’s commitment to community support, saying: “From a Puntans perspective, we are a very community-based outfit. We often host community initiatives and offer our space for religious and community events, free of charge. In instances where a little girl, like Ahana, needs medical support, it’s our responsibility, as a community, to come together. During times of turmoil and need, where community members are struggling, we must assist and support each other. Puntans endeavours always to be a beacon of light and hope for the community. We will continue to be a safe space and support initiatives like Ahana’s fundraiser, where families and communities can truly benefit.”

The event featured an exciting car show with a competition, show-and-shine, and park-off. Despite the rain, car enthusiasts and supporters turned up in numbers, eager to contribute to Ahana’s fight for survival.

Ahana’s journey with neuroblastoma

At just 19 months old, Ahana was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma. Her tumour, wrapped around vital organs like her heart, lungs, and spinal cord, made surgery impossible in South Africa. Given a bleak survival rate of 30%, her family sought treatment abroad.

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In Barcelona, just days before a scheduled surgery, new scans revealed that the tumour had doubled in size within two weeks. This led to further complications, including a life-threatening reaction to a chemotherapy drug, which caused cardiac failure. Miraculously, Ahana’s heart regained function, and her condition stabilised. With renewed hope, surgeons were able to remove more than 90% of the tumour, marking a major victory in her battle.

However, Ahana’s journey is far from over. She still requires life-saving treatment in the United States, with R4m standing between her and the future she deserves.

Heenan Ramnath, owner of Nitro Crew, shared: “We’ve been hosting fundraisers for children facing medical challenges for years, but Ahana’s story hit home. It’s heart-wrenching to see a child go through something so serious, and we’re committed to doing whatever we can to help.”

Ahana’s grandmother, Anju Singh, has also been a pillar of strength, meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa in February to request government assistance in bringing essential medications to South Africa. “We’re doing everything we can to help Ahana,” she said. “Every bit of support counts.” The overwhelming support from the community, through donations and attendance at the car show, proved that when people come together, they can make an extraordinary difference.

See how you can help Ahana’s journey
Ahana’s fight is not over, and she still needs vital treatment. Every donation, prayer, and share can make a difference. To support Ahana, visit her Facebook page: Hope for Ahana, or contribute via her GoFundMe page.

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