Pink Phoenix’s financial aid sparks ray of hope
The Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation's Kids 4 Life Initiative saved the life of 15-year-old cancer survivor, Aidan Mileham.
BATTLING through childhood cancer is stressful enough for any family, and yet there are thousands that are simultaneously crippled by financial burdens associated with the life-saving treatments, said Michelle Luyt, of The Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation.
This inspired the foundation to launch its Kids 4 Life Initiative in 2014, which strives to provide financial support to children who are undergoing cancer treatments.
According to the uMhlanga resident the initiative has assisted seven families to date. One of the lives impacted by the much-needed initiative is 15-year-old Aidan Mileham, who survived an aggressive brain tumor.
Mileham was diagnosed with stage three brain cancer at the end of 2014, shortly after suffering a concussion while playing rugby.
After a nine-hour operation, an intense six weeks of radiation therapy and seven months of chemotherapy, Mileham is now in remission.
However, without a R10 000 donation from the Kids 4 Life Initiative, the teen’s battle with cancer could have had a different outcome.
Throughout his treatment Mileham needed three sets of platelet donations as the chemo obliterated his immune system. Unfortunately his family could not afford this treatment.
Without the transfusions, however, he could have died from a single infection or his treatment could have been halted.
While Milham will never be able to play rugby again he is grateful for the second chance at life.
“I am coaching rugby at my school. I try and focus on all the things I can do, rather than what I can’t. I also try and grasp at any opportunity that comes my way and treat every day as if it my last,” he said.
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we can assist these families by contributing towards the cost of treatments. In this way parents can focus on their children’s needs and not only worry about the financial burden that comes along with cancer diagnoses. We all deserve a second chance in life,” she said.
- Contact Michelle Luyt on 082 457 5737.
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