Lieben (5) fights to beat cancer
Lieben van Zijl has had at least seven lifesaving operations after being diagnosed with rare cancer in 2022.
Lieben van Zijl marked the end of his treatment at the Netcare Alberton Hospital’s long-standing tradition – the ringing of the bell – on April 6.
The ringing of the bell signifies the last time a patient will visit the facility to treat their condition. They are also declared cancer-free.
The brave five-year-old warrior was diagnosed with intracranial immature teratoma earlier last year. This rare condition contains one or more of the three layers of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). Intracranial teratoma is a rare non-germinomatous germ cell tumour (GCT), usually found in young patients. It is a type of central nervous system germ-cell tumour.
Lieben has conquered his fight against rare cancer like a champion.
During his recent momentous occasion, the oncology unit and Cupcakes of Hope pampered him with gifts and treats for bravely beating cancer.
Dr Tanya Schickerling of Netcare Alberton Hospital’s paediatric oncology unit, who described Lieben as a brave youngster, presented him with a medal of honour.
Living Testimony
For Lieben’s parents, Jaco and Leandri, this has been a bumpy experience filled with mixed emotions.
Leandri said his journey has brought some positivity into their lives.
“We were extremely stressed when he recently had to go for screening. We decided to make that day a good day, no matter what happened. We then started a project to make little boxes for kiddies battling cancer in the oncology wards, and I thought I could make 10 boxes,” she explained.
Through the project, they delivered several boxes to different oncology units, including the Johannesburg General Hospital.
“We had more than 200 boxes delivered to children fighting cancer. Our lives have changed, and we have learned much after this journey. We have also met several incredible people. Cancer is not a diagnosis, it’s a new way of living – a lifestyle. I’m overwhelmed at how powerful God is,” Leandri said.
Leandri said they were now starting a new chapter of their lives.
“The swelling in his brain is completely down, and they can see what the brain damage is. We recently got news from therapists that we have to go to a remedial school so that he can get the help and therapy he needs. We’re so grateful that he’s here with us and has a story to tell,” she said.
“Little Lieben is now officially in remission and is to be monitored closely due to a ‘balloon-like thingy’ on his brain stem and will need to do a scan every three to six months,” she said.
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