A Grade 11 Greenside High School pupil Tiague Simons is currently fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer but is getting a bit of help from his friends.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer which starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes which form part of the immune system. According to Janet Unterslak, a teacher at the school, he has been in and out of hospital over the past term.
Three close school friends of Simons, Done Newman, Keane Govender and Jared de Vries rallied together and approached the school to host a shavathon to raise funds for Simons to pay for his medical treatment. They then got the Grade 11s on board and planned the whole day with the help of the school.
“We knew that he was struggling to pay some of his medical fees so we asked the school if we could host a shavathon and we added other activities like a car wash, sprayathon, lip-synch battles for the teachers and asked learners to pay for civvies so we could raise more money for him,” said Newman.
In addition, pupils could also donate money towards paying for his medical expenses and purchasing a raffle ticket.
The shavathon took place in the school hall and saw the participation of many pupils, according to Govender. “I am really grateful for the support from our school. If you know him [Simons], he is the friendliest guy.”
De Vries added that this would not be the end of their efforts to help their friend. They plan to roll out different fundraisers throughout the year. He urged members of the community to help them in their efforts to make the paying of medical bills the least of the Simons family’s worries as he recovers. “I am so proud to be part of this school and the great support they have given us towards raising this money,” said De Vries.
“All money raised went the Simons family. The day proved to be a huge success as we raised over R26 000 in just two hours. It is great to see how all the Greenside learners united to support one of their own. The school spirit on the day was phenomenal,” commented Unterslak. She thanked Carlton Hair Academy, and Anna-Luisa and her company for supplying the spray and doing all the shaving and spraying of hair.
Details: Greenside High School 011 646 0113.
