Our Little Fighters
Meet the brave children we support. Every one of them is a hero.
Matayo
Age 2 · All Leukemia
Matayo, this little cutie pie needs our Love and Prayers...🙏💛 At just 1 year and 9 months old, little Matayo should be exploring the world, laughing, and learning new words. Instead, he is facing a battle no child should ever have to fight.💔 In early January, his mom noticed something wasn’t right. Matayo was constantly tired, sleeping far more than usual. At first, she thought it might just be teething. But deep down, a mother always knows… On Monday, 5 January, she took him to Delft Hospital after he began complaining about his throat. They reassured her it was nothing serious—just teething—and sent them home with medication. But as the days passed, something changed. His little tummy began to swell. By Friday, 9 January, she rushed him back to the hospital, explaining her concerns. This time, doctors feared something more serious and urgently referred them to Tygerberg Hospital. That Friday afternoon changed everything. After multiple tests, the unthinkable was confirmed on Saturday, 10 January… Matayo was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). A diagnosis no parent is ever prepared for.💔 His mom was shattered. She couldn’t eat. She couldn’t believe it. Her baby… her little boy… had cancer. By Monday, treatment began. The entire month of January was spent in hospital. A place that became their new “home.” The emotional toll has been overwhelming for both his parents—but through it all, they have held onto faith, praying like never before, trusting that God has a plan even in the pain. What makes this even harder… Matayo is too young to understand what is happening to him. He doesn’t know why he’s in pain. He doesn’t know why he has to go through this. He is just a baby. 💔 🤲 HOW YOU CAN HELP We are asking for your sincere prayers for Matayo—please keep this little fighter in your duas. If you are in a position to assist, the family would deeply appreciate any support in the form of: 🎗Tin foods 🎗Nutritional items (cereals, baby food, etc.) 🎗Basic groceries *Mom is currently unable to work due to the constant hospital visits and care Matayo requires, and making ends meet has become incredibly difficult. 💛 PLEASE SHARE HIS STORY By sharing Matayo’s journey, you become part of his support system. You help us reach someone who may be able to make a difference. https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/matayo-fighting-all-leukemia Let’s come together and surround this little boy and his family with love, strength, and hope. #PrayForMatayo #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #ShareHisStory
Lulonke
Age 2 · Hepatoblastoma
💛 LITTLE LULONKE’S FIGHT FOR LIFE 💛 At just 2 years old, Lulonke’s life took a heartbreaking turn. What started as something small quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare.💔 While at home, his family noticed that Lulonke was crying constantly. He refused to eat—any kind of food—and even getting him to take a teaspoon of water became a struggle. Day by day, his tiny body grew weaker. His energy faded. For four long weeks, he could not pass stool, and painful swelling began to appear on the right side of his stomach. That’s when his family knew something was seriously wrong.😢 They rushed him to Tygerberg Hospital, where doctors ran urgent tests. Soon after, the devastating diagnosis came: 👉 Lulonke has Hepatoblastoma — a rare and aggressive liver cancer that affects young children. Despite his age, Lulonke began fighting. On 1 December 2025, he started chemotherapy—bravely enduring treatments no child should ever have to face. After months of this difficult journey, doctors made the decision to operate and remove the tumour from his liver. Just last week, Lulonke underwent surgery. He has since been discharged and is now back at home… but the battle is far from over. 💔 He is in constant pain. 💔 He still struggles to eat. 💔 His little body is weak and needs proper nutrition to rebuild his strength and immune system. 🙏 A FAMILY UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE While fighting to save their child’s life, Lulonke’s family is also facing overwhelming financial strain. They are struggling to: Provide the nutrition his body desperately needs Cover basic living expenses Keep up with the ongoing demands of his treatment and recovery No parent should have to choose between survival and care. 🤍 HOW YOU CAN HELP Today, we are asking you to stand with Lulonke. Your support—no matter how small—can help: ✨ Provide nutritious food to strengthen his body ✨ Ease the financial burden on his family ✨ Give this little fighter a real chance at recovery 🌟 LET’S GIVE LULONKE A CHANCE TO HEAL Donate to his course: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lulonkes-fight-for-life Lulonke has already shown incredible strength. Now, he needs a community to fight with him. Please consider donating, sharing his story, and keeping him in your prayers. Every act of kindness brings hope.💛 #HelpLulonkeFight #ShareLulonkesStory #HopeForLulonke 💛
Layla Blaauw
Age 4 · Neuroblastoma (stage 4)
Layla Blaauw ~ Battling (stage 4) Neuroblastoma💔😢 The world first met Layla through a lens of worry. By mid-2025, she was a shadow of herself—rapidly losing weight, her appetite gone, and her tiny frame failing her. A mysterious weakness took hold of her left leg, making every step a struggle, while one eye rested half-closed, as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. After months of uncertainty and initial diagnoses of low blood pressure and iron deficiencies, the truth finally surfaced at Tygerberg Hospital. In October 2025, in Ward G3, the family received the news no one is ever prepared for: Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. 🛤️ The Long Road to Recovery The journey since that day has been defined by grueling chemotherapy and the quiet resilience of a child who refused to let the illness dim her light. Following her first intensive rounds of treatment, Layla returned home, beginning a cycle of hospital visits and recovery that tested her family’s strength and faith. ☀️ A Glimmer of Sunshine Today, there is a beautiful shift in Layla’s story. Despite the mountain she is climbing, Layla is currently defying the odds of her diagnosis. The little girl who once struggled to walk is now: 🏃♀️ Running and playing with the boundless energy of any other child. 😊 Radiating happiness, filling her home with a joy that seemed so far away just months ago. 💪 Strong and spirited, proving that her soul is far tougher than the cells fighting within her. 📅 Looking Toward April 21st Since March 8th, Layla has undergone three critical tests. While the wait for feedback is long—with results expected around April 21st—the family remains steadfast. That same day, Layla is scheduled to begin a new course of chemotherapy to continue her fight against the cancer. 🙏 A Testament to Faith Though the medical path ahead is complex, Layla’s family isn’t walking it alone. They are fueled by the sight of her running across the room and a deep, unwavering trust in God for her complete healing. Layla isn't just a patient; she is a runner, a dreamer, and a testament to hope. We continue to stand with her as she prepares for the next chapter of her victory. 🕊️ * Please keep Layla in your prayers and, if you are able, assist with nutritional needs like tinned foods by WhatsApp], or contribute to her campaign via the link below. 🙏🥫✨ https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/layla-fighting-stage-4-neuroblastoma #LaylasJourney #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #HopeForLayla #neuroblastomawarrior
Cebo
Age 2 · Leukemia
💛Please Keep Cebo in Your Prayers🎗 Cebo is bravely fighting leukaemia after being diagnosed in November 2025. Now in his 4th month of treatment, he continues to endure difficult rounds of chemotherapy. Despite it all, he has shown incredible strength — slowly regaining the ability to eat, sleep, and walk again. 💔 Each treatment takes a toll on both Cebo and his mom, who remains by his side through every step of this journey. 🎯 How You Can Help Cebo’s mom is currently unemployed, and the costs of food, transport, and daily needs are overwhelming. 🙏 Please keep Cebo in your prayers, and if you are able, consider supporting his journey. Every act of kindness brings hope and strength. 💛
Uthmaan
Age 13 · Leukemia (Stage 4)
🎗️ An Urgent Update on Uthmaan 🎗️ Little Uthmaan continues his brave fight against stage 4 leukemia. 💔 He has recently been experiencing stiffness in his fingers, with pain shooting down to his feet, and is becoming increasingly worried about the bruising on his body. It’s heartbreaking to see him trying to make sense of it all while still fighting so courageously. 😟 The family is also down to the very last of the food parcel we dropped off just three weeks ago. No mother should have to worry about how to feed her child during a battle like this. 🙏 We are urgently appealing for assistance with nutritious foods (tinned goods, porridge, and basic essentials). 📲 If you are able to help, please reach out via WhatsApp on the number attached. Every act of kindness helps Uthmaan keep fighting. 💛🎗️ #LittleUthmaan #ChildhoodCancer #LeukemiaWarrior #NoChildFightsAlone
Leah Rose
Age 2 · Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
💛 Leah Rose — A Fight No Two-Year-Old Should Face Leah Rose is just 2 years old — and battling a rare cancer. Instead of toys and playtime, her days are filled with chemotherapy, hospital visits, and constant monitoring. She is incredibly weak, often in pain, yet continues to fight with quiet bravery. 🏥 A Difficult Reality Leah travels frequently for treatment, enduring exhausting hospital visits and procedures no child should face. 💔 A Family Under Pressure Her family is struggling to meet even basic needs. Urgent support is needed for: • Medical equipment, including an oxygen machine and oximeter • Ongoing care and daily essentials 🎯 How You Can Help Every donation, prayer, and share helps give Leah a fighting chance — and brings her closer to the childhood she deserves. 🙏 Let’s stand with Leah Rose and remind her family they are not alone.
Anecia Lee
Age 17 · Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
💛 Anecia Lee — A Battle No Teenager Should Face Anecia is just 17 years old — and fighting a rare, aggressive cancer. After months of unexplained illness, swelling, and worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed in April 2023 with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. By then, her condition had become critical. She endured intense chemotherapy, time in ICU, and nearly a year in and out of hospital. The treatment has taken a heavy toll — even affecting her hearing. 💔 Instead of living her teenage years, Anecia has been fighting for her life. 💛 A Mother’s Sacrifice Her mom has had to give up steady work to care for her, placing immense financial strain on their home. 🎯 How You Can Help We are raising support for: • Nutritional groceries to rebuild her strength • Transport to and from hospital appointments 🙏 Every donation and share helps ease the burden and reminds Anecia she is not fighting alone.
Leah
Age 10 · Brain Stem tumor
🎗️ Pray for Leah Leah is just 10 years old — and fighting for her life. She has been diagnosed with a brain stem tumor that cannot safely be removed. Surgery carries a heartbreaking 50/50 chance, and her future remains uncertain. What began as headaches in January 2026 quickly turned into something far more serious. Today, Leah struggles to walk, eat, and speak, and is preparing to begin radiation treatment. 💔 A Family Under Pressure Leah is being raised by her aunt, a pensioner caring for both Leah and her younger sister. With very limited income, they are now struggling to provide even basic nutrition during this critical time. 🎯 How You Can Help We are raising support for: • Nutritional food and supplements • Transport to treatment • Daily living costs 🙏 Most importantly, we ask for your prayers. Every donation, every share, and every prayer brings hope to Leah and her family.
Ryan
Age 17 · Leukemia
🎗️ Help Ryan Fight Leukemia Ryan is a 17-year-old from Blackheath who should be preparing for his matric year — not fighting for his life. In late 2025, Ryan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Despite intensive chemotherapy, his cancer has not responded, and he now faces aggressive treatment and a life-saving bone marrow transplant. This means long hospital stays, painful procedures, and missing out on school, friends, and the normal life every teenager deserves. 💔 While Ryan fights, his family is battling mounting costs — including medical co-payments, medication, travel, and daily expenses. 🎯 Our Goal: Raise R10,000 We aim to ease this burden so Ryan’s mom can focus on what truly matters — helping her son heal. 🙏 Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Ryan one step closer to recovery.
Dakota
Age 17 · Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Dakota’s Fight Just Got Harder 💔 Dakota Parkinson is bravely battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma — a journey she has faced with incredible strength since her diagnosis in April 2025. After 16 rounds of chemotherapy, recent scans have brought heartbreaking news… her cancer has spread. She has now begun an urgent 6-week course of radiation, targeting tumours near her heart — a critical step in her fight for survival. How You Can Help 💛 This next phase comes with heavy emotional and financial strain on her mother, who is standing by her every step of the way. We are aiming to raise R15,000 to help cover the costs of her radiation treatment and essential care. 👉 Your support will help give Dakota the fighting chance she deserves. Support Dakota’s Journey�
Zack
Age 10 · Osteosarcoma
3 March 2025, Zack underwent a femur replacement surgery, and thank God, the operation was successful. He spent a week in high care so the doctors could monitor him closely before being moved to the ward the following Monday. His mom shared how heartbreaking it has been watching her baby endure so much pain, yet even through the hardest moments Zack continues to push through with courage and resilience. We are grateful that he is currently doing better and recovering well. Zack is scheduled for Audiology and GFR tests on the 25th of March, after which, God willing, he will begin his third cycle of treatment. He also has follow-up appointments at Groote Schuur Hospital this Thursday and at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital on the 25th of March. Prayer Request🤲💛 We humbly ask our community to keep Zack in your prayers, asking the Almighty to grant him strength, ease his pain, guide the doctors, and grant him a complete recovery. Please keep this brave little warrior and his family in your prayers. 🤲💛 #KidsCanCancerFoundation #PrayForZack #LittleWarriors
Tashreeq
Age 16 · Eye Cancer
🔔Tashreeq ~ He rang the bell… but the battle isn’t over 💔 Beating cancer last year... A moment we all celebrated. A moment his mom, Aashiqah, fought so hard for. But today, she’s facing another fight…😢 📚 School fees are piling up — even from the time he couldn’t attend due to treatment. ⚖️ There is now talk of legal action. 😔 And a mother who chose her child over everything is left trying to pick up the pieces alone. Her words to us today: “I’m so stressed… I’m trying everything I can.” She’s preparing to sell takeaways just to survive… but she needs help. As a foundation, we walk the journey beyond treatment. 🤲 Let’s stand with Tashreeq and his mom again: 🧡 Help ease their school debt 📚 Protect his future He fought for his life… Let’s fight for his future. 🤍🎗️ #KidsCanCancerFoundation #HopeAfterCancer #CommunitySupport #pleasesharehisstory
Relebogile
Age 3 · Brain Cancer
💛 A Mother’s Fight for Her Daughter – Relebogile’s Story🎗 In December, we shared the heartbreaking story of a brave little girl named Relebogile. Since then, her journey has only become more difficult — but her courage continues to shine in ways that inspire us every single day. 🎗️ A Little Girl Fighting Stage 4 Brain Cancer Relebogile is fighting stage 4 brain cancer. She has already gone through several operations to remove the tumour, each one more difficult than the last. Despite everything she has endured, this little warrior never stopped fighting. Sadly, the tumour returned — bigger, more aggressive, and harder to treat. Doctors have done everything they possibly could, but her condition has left her paralysed, and she is now being cared for at home by her mother, who refuses to give up on her child. 💔 📢 A Heartbreaking Update From Her Mom This week, her mom reached out again with an update that truly touched our hearts. Relebogile’s blood pressure has become dangerously high, and she now needs to visit the hospital more frequently. At the same time, her family is struggling just to put food on the table. The stress of watching your child suffer is already unbearable — but having to worry about food and transport on top of that is something no mother should ever face alone. 🙏 What Her Mom Is Asking For Relebogile’s mom didn’t ask for luxury. She didn’t ask for big things. She simply asked for help to make her daughter’s life a little easier… a little more comfortable… a little more filled with love during such a painful time. Every small donation can make a difference: • Help with food at home • Help with transport to hospital visits • Help with basic care for Relebogile • And most importantly — help her feel that people still care 💛 🌍 If You Can’t Donate, Please Share💛 *Sometimes we cannot change the outcome, but we can change how a child experiences the journey. We can make sure she feels supported, cared for, and surrounded by kindness.🌸🤲 One share can reach the person who is able to help. One act of kindness can change everything. 💛 Let’s stand together for Relebogile and her mom during this incredibly difficult time.💛 #FightWithRelebogile 🎗️ #ChildhoodCancerAwareness 💛 #HelpLittleWarriors 🙏 #HopeForRelebogile 💫 #PleaseShareHerStory 📢
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