Willemse family receives much-needed love

This was all for the little fighter from Meyersdal.

October 11, 2016

Lucky Thusi 2 minutes read

SUPPORT: Caylum's sister Charlotte writing a message of support on a T-shirt.

FAMILY and friends of the Willemses gathered at Nucleo Portuguese Club (Nucleo De Arte Cultura) in Regents Park on Sunday, October 9, to raise funds for the Caylum Willemse Foundation.

Though the final amount raised is not finalised yet, it is estimated that around R130 000 was raised. The hall was full to capacity as people opened their hearts in support of #GetCaylumtoBoston.

Natasha Marais (Big Louis Enterprises, Dobsonville Fruit and Veg and Electron Hyper Meat), who was one of the organisers of the event, thanked everyone who attended the fund-raiser. She said Caylum is truly a little superhero. “He has shown so much strength during the past few months and touched so many hearts. Caylum as little as he is brought a whole nation together and let us South Africans show how we can stand together and make things happen.

“We admire how no matter what Caylum’s circumstances are his beautiful smile never fades, and that is a product of his parents Wayne and Samantha as no matter how bad the odds get they are always ready to conquer another day. We admire your courage and your faith.

“Remember nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible. Caylum you are destined for greatness. We also have a branded car for Caylum to ride in style when he returns from his journey.

“Caylum’s sister, Charlotte, you are a brave little girl and we thank you for looking after Caylum. We have a little gift for you too. Then to the Willemses we think you guys have been through the toughest experience life can throw at you, yet you took it by the horns and made something that once seemed impossible become a reality. You are absolutely awesome parents and Caylum is extremely lucky to have your love and care. We would like to offer your family a holiday in Ballito so once all the pressure eases off you, your family may take a well-deserved break,” she said.

Caylum was born on January 12 and was diagnosed with TOF and OA by Netcare’s Dr Charles Caraphinha, and later diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia. A child who has a problem with the oesophagus (the feeding tube) and the trachea (the windpipe) is said to be suffering from tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) and oesophageal atresia (OA).

The fistula is a connection between the trachea and the oesophagus, which may lead to problems with breathing. An atresia means that there is no way for food to pass into the stomach, due to the gap between the upper and the lower parts of the oesophagus.

You can also read:

Baby Caylum is going to Boston!