Boy (9) fights leukemia
Tzaneen Lions Club will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday evening to help the Geldenhuys family with medical and transportation costs for Reinhardt's treatment.
A nine-year-old boy from Tzaneen has touched the lives and hearts of the community in his fight against leukemia.
Little Reinhardt Geldenhuys was first diagnosed with leukemia last year and he started treatment on 31 May. Reinhardt’s father, Gerhardus, told Letaba Herald that the news of Reinhardt’s cancer came as a shock to the family.
“It was a traumatic time as we have never had anything like this in our family. However, I can say that we are fortunate to have had our eyes opened to what the disease is and how to treat it. We are coping but some days are challenging,” he said.
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Reinhardt is the oldest child of Gerhardus, a buyer at Westfalia Fruit Estate and his wife, Lizette, a teacher at The King’s Court Christian School in Modjadjiskloof.
They also have twins, Kobus and Luan, who this year started Grade 1 at Tzaneen Primary School.
Sadly, Reinhardt had to be taken out of Larries because his immune system is too low. “He could not handle being in a school environment,” his father said.
He further told Herald that the family appreciate the upcoming fundraiser organised by Tzaneen Lion’s Club.
“Last year R200 000 was raised and it helped us with all the expenses. This lightened the financial burden to cover the medical costs, transport and toll fees to Pretoria and back. Every bit of assistance that we get from the community, we appreciate,” he exclaimed.
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Reinhardt will be completing his first year’s treatment at the end of May. Thereafter his treatment is scheduled for once a month for the next three years.
“He has fought so hard and it gives us hope that he will get better. Some days are better than others, but he continues to be a strong little boy. We are truly grateful to the community for their love and support.”
The Letaba Tzaneen Lions Club will be hosting a fundraiser for Reinhardt on Friday 7 February at the Letaba Lions Den at Platform 9.
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The event will be an evening of music and potjiekos with two local bands, BZN and the Shades, playing. For more information regarding the fundraiser, contact Kate Coppen on 079 032 3342.
Tickets are available as follows; R120 for adults, R80 for u.18’s and children u.10 are free of charge and the tickets include meals.
