Joshua beats cancer odds
The leukaemia survivor was put on life support 10 days after he was diagnosed.
JOSHUA Welgemoed (10) is one of the youngest ambassadors of the uMhlanga–based, Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation (PFCF). For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month the young survivor, who beat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and his mother, Helene are hoping to inspire others and raise awareness.
“Trust a mother’s instincts,” she said, recalling the days leading up to Joshua’s diagnoses. “There are no distinguishable symptoms to cancer, so trust your gut and listen to your children as well,” she said.
Before his diagnoses, Joshua was covered in bruises. While he regularly told his mother that he was not feeling well, she thought it was the normal rough and tumble of boys.
“He was normal. He was running around, and had a healthy appetite, and never had a fever. Never did I suspect that he had cancer,” she said.
On 8 October, 2013 Helene decided to take Joshua to the doctors. Blood tests were done, which confirmed that he had leukaemia, and 10 days later he was put on life support.
“He had contracted chicken pox and his whole body was encrusted with millions of blisters. He looked like a burn victim. It felt as though my life had ended,” said Helene.
Due to his low immune system the young fighter also developed a lung infection, renal failure, sepsis and suffered seizures. Doctors did not have much hope.
On 31 December Joshua underwent a bone marrow test. Following chemotherapy Joshua has been in remission.
According to PFCF founder, Sharon van Straaten, blood related cancers, such as leukaemia have become especially prevalent among children.
“There are so many various cancers, and all present themselves differently. People need to become comfortable talking about cancer and acknowledge that it is not only an adult disease,” she said.
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