Page 27 - Dainfern Precinct Living 7 2021

TODAY’S CHILD

and bruises. The pain. Not for We are so proud that, after
a day, not for a week, not for everything Seth has endured,
a month. How do you prepare he has stayed brave. I hope
a little person whose biggest that one day, when he works
challenge should be exploring through his story, he realises
his colossal imagination, for the unwavering strength within
what is to come over the next him. I hope he sees the love
1089 days. that he created through the
many people who supported
The truth is, we didn’t. We took him for hundreds of days.
one day, and on some days, I hope he understands the
five minutes at a time. difference he has made and
I hope he continues to keep
And that was good enough. hope alive after healing.

The thing about being brave I came across a quote that
(to quote Melissa Tumino) was so raw and so true –
is that it doesn't come with “Parenthood is about raising
the absence of fear and hurt. the child you have, not the
Bravery is the ability to look child you thought you’d have.
fear and hurt in the face and It’s about understanding that
say “move aside, you're in my they’re exactly the person
way.” Seth was brave. they’re meant to be. And if
you’re lucky, they might just
be the teacher who turns
We first met CHOC at hotel you into the person you’re
Donny G, in room 11A − the supposed to be.”
presidential suite. They spoilt
us with books, a beanie and In South Africa, around 55% I am Melissa Kruger. I am a
much-needed hospital items. Mom, serial chocoholic, Lego
By day five, when most of the of children diagnosed with signs enthusiast and believer of
shock had settled, and reality second chances.
set in – so did boredom. So of childhood cancer survive.
I read the book. Was this the We are the Krugers and we
best thing to do at the time? In developed countries, the chose hope.
Probably not, but it is what led
me to this very moment. I was recovery rate is 80 - 90%. To make a donation
embarrassed at how naïve I to CHOC
had been. How every symptom The Coronavirus has greatly
was staring me in the face. His increased the needs of
aching bones, loss of appetite, frequent CHOC’s gift to us has been a gift to these families and there has been a
infections. Because kids at school get many. They have provided ongoing significant increase in the demand
sick, right? And what three year old eats platforms for us to raise funds and tell for CHOC’s services. In addition,
what you give them? our story, which we hope has expanded and of grave concern is the fact that
the much-needed awareness resulting children and teens who are undergoing
By the time Seth was diagnosed, in earlier diagnosis. treatment, and who have had cancer,
there were no ifs or buts. His first are at higher risk of contracting
24 hours were critical. He was given When not making mini playdough the Coronavirus by virtue of their
morphine for the pain, a blood and meals, Seth proudly wore his doctor compromised immune systems.
platelet transfusion, and a second playsuit for numerous days in the Consider becoming a regular donor
chance at life. hospital hallways and became known as through a debit order. If you would
Dr Seth, nourished by simple hospital like to make a donation, please
And that’s where our partnership with food and love in abundance. We treated contact Antonella Swanepoel at
CHOC began. our child, and not the disease. antonella.swanepoel@choc.org.za
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