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Time is running out for Imke
Our town is well known for its caring heart but when the news of three year old Imke Geldenhuys became known, hearts and pockets just opened.
Never before has so many done so much for few. Not exactly Churchill’s words, but true nevertheless for a small community such as Tzaneen.
Imke was diagnosed with the cancer Neuroblastoma High Risk Stage 4 earlier this year. This means that the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, bone, bone marrow, the liver, the skin or other organs.
Imke is the eldest daughter of Ilona and Darius. Ilona also gave birth to twin baby girls in the same hospital on the same day Imke started chemotherapy.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues.
Earlier this year doctors found a large mass growth above her left kidney arising from the left supra-renal fossa measuring 10 x 8 x 11cm in diameter, it also spread to her bone marrow.
At that stage, it measures 5.5 x 2.7 by 2.9cm which means it shrunk miraculously.
Imke went for surgery on May 30 to have a bone marrow transplant.
There was unfortunately no proven evidence that the bone marrow transplant she already received was successful.
Imke received a major operation to remove the tumour last week, but doctors have told the family that this is the end of the road as far as medical options in South Africa are concerned.
Her parents, Darius and Ilona Geldenhuys, have done research and the best hope for Imke and for survival is abroad and they urgently need funds to make it happen.
The family received news from Australia that doctors there believe that they can treat Imke, but this would come to an enormous cost around R6 million.
Soon after the news first hit social media, the ‘Walked for Imke’ and the ‘Cup Cakes for Imke’ fundraising projects took off like wild fire, and many others followed.
Not only local schools, churches and businesses, but from far and wide across South Africa and even abroad, well wishes came streaming in.
Now they need much more than only wishes.
Although most parents will be in despair, Ilona and Darius never for one moment asked for anything but prayer. They are a motivation and inspiration to all the thousands of followers on Prayers 4 Imke / Gebed vir Imke’s Facebook page.
Several fundraising events are still planned and in the pipeline for Tzaneen and in the rest of South Africa. Time is of the essence and they need a lot more by the end of June. The current balance of the trust fund, according to the Prayers 4 Imke’s Facebook page, stands on R3 037, 782.81.
Any individual or business who would like to contribute to this cause can donate money into Imke’s trust fund at Thomas and Swanepoel Attorneys.
The fund is at Absa bank, Account number: 0103 591 0456, Branch code 632 005, Swift: ABSAZAJJ, BIC: ZA632005 and as reference: G994 Imke.
For more information contact her mother, Ilona 076 618 8058 or 072 803 7170.
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