Increase Paediatric Palliative Care in KZN, SA

Since being involved in the GlobalGiving Spring Challenge the work of Umduduzi has continued to grow from strength to strength. New patients are being regularly referred to our team for care and support. Our role is to assist these children to improve their quality of life and ensure that the families are prepared for whatever they are facing; frequently the impending death of their child. It is imperative that the child has good symptom and pain control as well as an understanding of what is happening to them (if they are old enough).

One of these children, SK sticks in our minds so much. He was 9 years old and when told that we were not able to cure his osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone) his response left all of us speechless. He said "I'm not ready to give up fighting. Put me back in your machines (radiotherapy) or give me more chemo. Please try a little longer". We could not continue with chemotherapy as he was too weak and it would have caused more harm than good but after discussion with the treating team we agreed on a few more sessions of palliative radiotherapy. After 2 weeks he called the Umduduzi team and said that he thinks it is time to go home. He said that he knows our machines and our medicine haven't helped but he is not afraid to die and he is ready to meet Jesus. His only worry was how sad his mom would be but hoped that God would give him some extra time at home before he dies. With a peaceful heart he made his journey home where he spent 3 beautiful months with his family until he died peacefully.

Being part of these incredbile children's journeys is a privilege that no words can describe. Through GlobalGiving's support we are now in a positoin to hire another clinical staff member which will increase the number of children we can assist in this way.