Fundraising drive to boost fund for Emma’s medical expenses

Family and friends of a young Toti cancer sufferer are embarking on a drive to boost fundraising for medical expenses.

Eighteen-month-old Emma de Vries has been fighting a malignant tumor on her brain since April. She underwent surgery to have the tumor removed, but due to its proximity to her brain stem, not all of it could be removed. She has since been undergoing chemotherapy and other treatment in various Durban hospitals.

“During Emma’s last chemotherapy session we were told by the oncologist that it is very worrying that the tumour has grown, even though she is receiving treatment,” said her mother, Tanya. “We have been advised that chemo is her only option, as she’s too young for radiation, however it doesn’t seem to be working. Until new treatment is found, we will continue.”

Emma’s extended family and others have teamed together to continue the drive to raise funds for her fight and will soon meet with attorneys, who have agreed to transform her fund into a full trust, which will allow for greater administrative control and accountability.

“We want people to know that their funds are only being used for the purpose that they intended when donating to Emma via her Facebook page,” said Tanya.

At present the community has raised R200,000 towards Emma’s medical expenses.

In a bid to halt the frightening progress of the tumour, the family is seeking second and third opinions for the best route forward.

“It has been hugely challenging trying to find the right doctors and specialists to review her case, but we are making progress and should be visiting new specialists soon.

The community and new friends made via the Facebook page have been extremely helpful in pointing us in the right direction, especially parents of children who have suffered similar illnesses.

The funds raised so far will help us get these vital second opinions that we desperately need in order to make the best decisions about her treatment going forward.”

The response to Emma’s plight has been heartwarming and extensive, with marathons being run in her name on at least three continents, and people hosting private events in their homes in South Africa, Australia and the UK.

“People ask us what our target is, but it is impossible for us to guess, as the cost to fight an illness changes almost weekly, given the new challenges that often arise. The current fund will cover her medical expenses and possibly some visits to new specialists, but then we face a bigger challenge if a completely new treatment is advocated.

We have embarked on a big drive to boost the fund, with the first event a Barnyard Theatre takeover on Wednesday, 29 October. This will enable people to enjoy a great musical experience and contribute to the fund at the same time.

We also see it as a celebration of Emma’s life and her fight, plus a way of thanking the community and friends who have stood by us.”

Tickets can only be booked via anton@bigskymarketing.co.za or contact 031-916-1079.

“Do not call the Barnyard direct or try to book via their website – it will indicate that the show is sold out, as we have bought the entire venue for the night. We appeal to all Emma’s followers, our friends and the whole community to help us fill the Barnyard to show how we are prepared to stand together against this disease.”