Bonolo (6) triumphs over cancer

Bonolo Makofane is a young warrior who fought the bravest battle by far – and conquered it.

The six-year-old youngster was declared cancer-free after battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

In front of her family and the Netcare Alberton Hospital staff, she joyfully rang the bell in the oncology unit to mark the end of her treatment and declare her victory against cancer.

The ringing of the bell mainly signifies the last time a patient visited the facility to get treatment for their condition.

After the morning’s celebration, it was down to the gifts. Little Bonolo was pampered with gifts, offered support by Cupcakes of Hope, and received a medal of honour for her bravery from paediatric oncologist Dr Tanya Schiekerling.

According to Bonolo’s granny, Mary-Jane Makofane, the little warrior was diagnosed in 2020 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and hospitalised the next year.

“When everything started, she complained of painful legs. We then took her to the hospital, where she had an operation, but the pain worsened. We then brought her for treatment to the then Netcare Clinton Hospital. She is now cancer-free and attending Grade R,” she said.

Mary-Jane thanked all the medical staff who walked the distance with Bonolo during her stay at the hospital.
Schiekerling said that initially, Bonolo was a shy child who kept to herself, but eventually got used to the medical staff and the new environment.

“At one point, when she returned from chemo, she had a broken tibia and fibula. She had to wear a cast but did well. She also had multiple fractures in her spine but now stands tall and is growing taller by the day. The good news came after two years of tough treatments and falling sick in between, but we’re grateful to be able to say she is cancer-free,” she explained.