The Parktown North and Parkhurst community has been quick to rally around a Parktown Boys’ High School pupil, Matthew Martins, who is facing a major medical challenge.
Martins was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a form of cancer, in May last year, and after months of treatment, Martins received the all-clear from his doctors.
Yet, a little over a year later, the seventeen-year-old received news that the leukaemia had returned and he would once again have to go through chemotherapy, leaving him physically depleted and unable to attend school.
Lee Louverdis of the Parktown North Residents’ Association and mother of a Parktown Boys’ High School pupil, said she was aware that there wasn’t much people could do to eliminate or reduce the symptoms or the pain that Martins is in, but the community could help the family in another way.
The Parkhurst community came together to donate a study chair and desk lamp so Matthew may be able to study at a proper desk since he can no longer attend classes due to treatment.
Louverdis said teachers from Parktown Boys’ High School have also been generous of their time, volunteering to tutor Martins.
However, since being admitted to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, chemotherapy has weakened Martins’ immune system, and in turn, he has contracted an infection –meaning that his chemotherapy has been stopped until the infection has cleared.
“This has been financially burdensome for Matthew’s mom Brenda, who is a single parent. The medical bills, the correct nutrition, transportation, time off work – the list is endless,” said Louverdis.
“Matthew and his mom would never ask for financial assistance for themselves. Yet we can all imagine the extent of the financial burden.”
Louverdis appealed to the community to help by donating money to help the Martins family as they try to beat the odds, once again.
Louverdis and other community members have started a “Matthew Martins Cancer Appeal” website and Facebook page in an effort to collect funds to help the teen boy.
To find out how to make a donation, visit the website.
Website: www.matthewmartinsfund.co.za
You Tube video taken of last year’s shavathon for Matthew Martins:
