Full of energy and constantly on the go, one would understand if the devastating cancer diagnosis had thrown 16-year-old Alma van Heerden into a blue funk. But the plucky Toti teen is tackling the disease like she does with everything in life – with enthusiasm and positivity.
There were never enough hours in the day for Alma – from school it was onto the hockey field until 5pm, before she hit the dance studio for two hours. Her schedule was so hectic, she never had time to relax in front of the TV. Now that is all she is allowed to do.
“I started getting tired but I thought I was unfit. My dance teacher suggested I have my iron levels tested and improve my eating habits,” she said. The doctor decided to do a blood test as well during her visit on Monday and Wednesday, 22 and 24 October.
On the Wednesday Alma participated in hockey trials at Kuswag Skool, where she was selected for the first team, and then went to dance class for two hours. The next day the doctor informed her and her parents that she had acute lymphoma leukaemia. He was amazed that she was still out and about, and booked her into hospital the next day.
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Fortunately she has the most treatable form of leukemia and the day before Christmas, she received the good news she was in remission. She is currently undergoing chemotheraphy until November 2020. She is not allowed to attend school this year, to limit infections and stress, but she hopes to return next year.
“The most frustrating part is having to sit still, as I’m not allowed to leave the room during treatment. I hate doing nothing.”
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti scholars show solidarity for classmate’s cancer diagnosis
Her schoolmates demonstrated their love for her when most of the school shaved their heads in solidarity and donated the hair to make wigs for other cancer sufferers. “It was awesome what they did. I wasn’t supposed to know what they were planning and none of my friends would tell me, although I knew something was up.”
Thinking of how best to tell all her friends about her diagnosis, Alma made a video which she shared. The video went viral, with 360,000 views. A woman she doesn’t even know started a Facebook page ‘Ondersteuning vir Alma’. Famous South African personalities such as ex-Proteas captain, AB de Villiers have sent her videos of encouragement and her dance mates organised a flashmob for her at Lords and Legends.
“The support I have received has been next level awesomeness. There is merit in living in a small community such as Toti – when trouble hits, everyone is supportive. My respect for the people in our community has grown so much. My school has been awesome. That is why I haven’t opted to be home-schooled this year, because I always said I want to be in Kuswag from grade 1 to 12. My doctor is confident I will beat this and I’m trying my best to stay positive.”
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