NEWCASTLE KZN: ‘Superhero’ Chiquita Breedt (9) fights a heart-breaking battle

Who is Chiquita Breedt?

Since December 2019, Chiquita Breedt (9) has been fighting her own personal ‘monster’ – leukaemia.

Her mother, Genene described her daughter as a happy, polite, and caring child who, even on her worst days, never fails to smile.

“No matter how sick she is, she will never reveal anything other than her lovely smile to anyone. She adores unicorns and, like any other child, she enjoys Tik Tok,” Genene said.

The day that turned their lives upside down

Genene described March 19, 2020 as the day that brought the family to its knees.

“That day still haunts us but it ultimately brought our faith to the forefront,” said Genene.

In December 2019, Chiquita became ill and was diagnosed with a throat infection. A few months later, on March 13, the little girl passed out after suffering from a high fever and had difficulties with walking.

“She was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with bronchitis, but it didn’t take long for doctors to realise something more severe was wrong, and they sent her off for additional tests,” recounted Genene.

On March 18, the Breedt family met with Chiquita’s doctor, who told them that she might have leukaemia and that she would need to be moved to a Johannesburg hospital that specialised in such cases.

“When we arrived at the hospital, Chiquita was diagnosed with leukaemia and doctors told us she would need to go into theatre the next day for a bone marrow biopsy so they could ascertain how far the cancer had spread…”

The family was told the leukaemia was curable and that doctors would do everything in their power to help her recover.

Difficult decisions and relying on faith

“A few days after the procedure, doctors told us that they had also discovered T1.19, which, when combined with the leukaemia, was a dangerous combination. We were told it would necessitate a very aggressive treatment and that our daughter would only have a 20% chance of surviving it,” said an emotional Genene.

The family was given just two days to make the most difficult decision of their lives…

“We had to choose between starting treatment, or allowing the cancer to take its course.”

Chiquita’s doctor, explained Genene, was not content to ‘sit around with her arms crossed’ and instead, approached as many experts as she could for advice on how to proceed with treatment.

Sadly, most of the replies she received were not optimistic, with experts predicting Chiquita ‘would not last a week on treatment’.

“Our specialists were determined to support Chiquita despite the advice received and recommended she undergo chemotherapy. She would, however, have to be on treatment for a longer period of time that other children diagnosed with leukaemia and her chances of survival were 50/50.”

Processing and understanding the road ahead

Accepting her daughter’s fate, according to Genene, was not an easy process and it still feels surreal to her to this day.

“This has harmed our family emotionally. My husband and I have been prescribed calming tablets, and I have also been prescribed sleeping pills because the pain and stress keep me awake at night.”

Compounded to the family’s emotional stress was the immense financial burden they were now facing.

“We are in a financial bind as there have been unanticipated bills piling up. Despite this, Jesus has carried us this far and sent a few ‘earth Angels’ to assist us,” said the emotional mom.

She admitted that at first, her bubbly daughter did not understand what was happening to her and often questioned why her life had changed so drastically.

“She takes life day by day and she has cried so many tears while asking me why this had to happen to her… Some days she gets angry because there is nothing she can do about it. Her emotions are all over the place and treatment is not always a pleasure. Some days she is happy and takes her medication gladly; other days she will kick and scream and beg us to stop, saying she does not want to do this anymore,” Genene explained, her voice breaking with grief.

Painstaking treatments and an abundance of medication

Since 2020, Chiquita has undergone a total of 19 operations as well as 23 Covid-19 tests.

Blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, bone marrow transplants, chemo tablets, radiation pills, antibiotics, and a mouth wash are all part of her treatment plan.

“She is not receiving physical chemotherapy at the moment, but she is given eight chemo tablets every Wednesday.”

Dealing with cancer and the effects it has on a family

Initially, Genene said the family struggled with being separated when Chiquita was in the hospital.

“Now that everyone is spending more time at home, things are almost back to normal. Our family has become closer as a result of our time apart. It has taught us to love and be grateful for one another in new ways.”

Earth Angels keep the family afloat in their time of need

Genene admitted the ‘humiliating experience of relying on others for assistance’ was not a pleasant one

“It’s never nice to have to ask someone for help, and it’s even worse when people look at you knowing you’re struggling financially. But through this experience, we’ve learned there are still so many people with such generous hearts, and it’s been amazing.”

She thanked everyone who had helped them over the last year, either financially, emotionally, or simply by showing their support.

“I especially want to mention that the Newcastle community has truly opened their hearts to us and has already helped us in such an amazing way that words cannot express how grateful we are. There are no words, only tears and gratitude, especially to the Derailer MTBers for its efforts in assisting us. We are eternally grateful for everything you have done for us. Jesus undoubtedly dispatched his best angels to cross our path… Thank you.”

How you can get involved:

Contact Craig Pedersen on 063 401 7679 or Chris Ewart on 079 525 9277 if you want to join the Derailer MTBers or find out how you can pledge your support.

Pick up this week’s Newcastle Advertiser for more information on the Derailer MTBers and its charity cycle fundraising event for Chiquita Breedt.

Contact Us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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