Bapsfontein teen needs help to get better

Bapsfontein mother Marsha Trumpelmann is appealing for financial assistance for her son, Reece, who is battling a rare cancer called Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

Reece (16) was diagnosed five years ago with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, a rare, inherited disorder that affects organs and tissue.

People with this disorder have a high risk of developing basal cell skin cancer during adolescence or early
adulthood. They are also at risk of developing medulloblastoma (a type of brain cancer) and other types of cancer.

Marsha said Reece was diagnosed with cancer after he fell off a jumping castle and developed a bump in his jaw.
“We then discovered that his jaw and sinuses were riddled with tumours.

“Over the past five years, he has had over 40 tumours removed from his jaw and sinuses,” said Marsha.
“Reece’s condition is completely multi-system.

“Since his diagnosis, he has also developed quite a few other issues such as stage four gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s oesophagus, chronic gastritis, borderline glaucoma and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.”

Marsha said he also has chronic sinus issues due to the tumours. He also has sleep apnea and needs to sleep on a continuous positive airway pressure therapy machine.

Reece is looked after by his mother and two sisters.

He is in Grade 10 at a local tutoring centre.

“He has missed school a lot due to the many trips to hospital and specialists, but his tutor is brilliant. She understands his needs and pace. I am deeply grateful for her,” said Marsha.

His mother described him as a strong young man.

“Reece cannot just be seen by one doctor. He has about 12 different specialists he needs to see regularly and many of them don’t know about this illness. We have been from pillar to post with Reece.

We have exhausted all our funds and rely heavily on help.

“We cannot give an amount because we never know. There are many medical bills. The scopes he need every four months are R6 600 co-payments.

“He needs CT and MRI scans every six months, sometimes more, and his supplements cost around R2 500,” she said.

The mother said their medical aid was depleted in February and they are battling costs now.
“Reece just wants to be a normal, healthy teenager.

He has a huge passion for animals. He loves to go fishing, something we have not been able to take him
to. Every cent goes into his medical needs.

“His biggest love is a motocross, and even though he can’t race, he still loves to ride around the plot.”

Reece is due to have major jaw and sinus reconstruction surgery, as well as skin cancer removal and possibly a jaw tumour removal.

“We never know what tomorrow holds for him. We also suspect he will need stomach surgery shortly as well.”

On Reece’s 16th birthday on April 29, the Bunny Park Rescue Group, community members, local businesses and Clr Lornette Joseph came together to make his birthday memorable.

This gesture was made possible after Marsha’s friend, Michelle Hynd, who lives abroad made the request and the founder of Bunny Park Rescue Group, Tania ForrestSmith, was willing to help with the assistance of the community.

“It was beautiful. Thank you to all involved, you are true angels,” Marsha said.

Anyone willing to assist the family can contact Marsha on 083 712 7761 or visit the Facebook page, Reece Gorlin Goltz syndrome journey.

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