Owen van Vuuren (4) with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma needs help

Owen van Vuuren (4) was born a healthy, normal child, but this changed almost overnight. 

Based in Oakdene, Owen’s mother, Candice Hamman, said they moved to Johannesburg because of Owen’s health. 

She said at the beginning of the pandemic, she noticed something different about Owen.

“One morning Owen’s left eye had a squint and his balance was uneven. His behaviour changed and at times he would get aggressive mood swings. I immediately took him to the doctors,” she said. 

Candice explained the problem was not that noticeable at first and when they visited the doctor, Owen had to go for a CT scan. But the problem was not picked up immediately. Due to lockdown, it was extremely difficult to get Owen to a hospital.

“When we entered lockdown, we still did not know what the problem was until we finally knew his diagnosis,” said Candice.

“As the country entered level four, we were sent to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where they transferred him to Nelson Mandela Hospital. Here Owen was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, which is a rare and highly aggressive, hard to treat, tumour in his brain stem.

“I was devastated. I did not understand why a healthy four-year-old could get this disease. I felt totally helpless. My son was a healthy baby and the diagnosis of his condition came as a shock,” Candice said.

“He is still very young and deserves a long life. Owen started his radiation but we were told there is not much more that can be done. We were told to prepare for the worst and basically all we can do is keep Owen free of pain.
“It is very difficult for Owen and he gets frustrated when people don’t understand what he is saying.”

How can you help

Candice is a graphic designer who runs her own company and like many other businesses, her business has been struggling during lockdown. 

“Things are not going very well and medication for Owen is running out. We have run out of funds to get more medication.”

Her heart breaks when she sees Owen in pain.

“For us to supply Owen his needed medication will cost in the region of R36 000 every two weeks,” she said.

Candice’s hope is just to get more medication. 

They have a BackaBuddy account and their first goal was to raise R50 000, but they did not reach the amount.
Teboho Ramakhetheng from RocoMamas at The Glen Shopping Centre was touched by Owen’s situation and decided to raise funds for him.

“On Heritage Day, we had a fund-raiser for Owen. This was to get people to know of his condition. “We are also organising a shadow shift, with Nu-Metro also coming on board. We have Indi-kart also supporting us and The Glen Shopping Centre also assist with fund-raising. 

“Our mission is to get the community involved to assist and to help us raise funds for Owen. I believe we can unite and support him,” he said.

He added they want to raise funds to get more radiation treatments for Owen at a private hospital as well as a trial drug from the USA or Germany. 

“We have been getting positive feedback from the community. We are planning to have another fund-raiser to get the word out in the community,” concluded Teboho. 

People can get in touch with Candice on 065 817 5535 or Tehoho on 084 375 7523.