For the past three weeks, nine-year-old Ruhaan Nel from Geduld has been in hospital on life support, battling frequent seizures.

He has shown strength beyond his years, while inspiring his family and community to rally around him through a Back-a-Buddy initiative.

It began when Ruhaan developed flu-like symptoms and was treated at a local clinic. His condition worsened days later when he developed a high fever and seizures.

“He was rushed to Parklands, stabilised, and transferred to the Far East Rand Hospital, where doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. When he could no longer breathe on his own, he was put on life support,” older brother Dirk explained.

Ruhaan has since been transferred to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, where doctors await an MRI once the swelling in his brain subsides.

“He’s been so strong through it all,” said Dirk, who described Ruhaan as a playful child who loves helping his dad with cars, tinkering with bikes, and watching Five Minute Crafts on YouTube.

“He loves play-fighting with me and playing games on our mom’s phone.”

Parents Ronel and Johan have remained by his bedside throughout the ordeal, supported by neighbours, family and friends, who have kept the family in their prayers. On August 27, the community held a candlelight vigil to show solidarity.

Family friend Casey Ellis said, “Ruhaan has been so strong, but it’s not easy to see him on life support. We are keeping faith.”

To overcome the mounting medical costs, the family seeks community support via contributions to their Back-a-Buddy campaign.

Their target is R50 000. They remain R48 860 short of this goal. Donate on www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/our-little-fighter-ruankjie

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