After being diagnosed with cancer in July, Damian Steyn (2) has been receiving treatment for three months while he takes chemo pills three times a week. 

At the end of last year, an MRI scan revealed that Damian had a high fever and an infection in his tonsils. He also had a middle ear infection. After a routine examination of his tonsils, his doctor requested blood tests as he looked pale.

“After the tests were taken that’s when we discovered that his haemoglobin levels were dangerously low and he needed an immediate blood transfusion,” said Monique Steyn.

“The next day, they did a bone marrow aspiration, and on that Friday, we were told our worst nightmare: Damian had leukaemia. But they still didn’t know what type of leukaemia it was.”

By this time, Damian had been sick for over six months, and we were exhausted and desperate for answers, she said.

Damian playing with his toys in the hospital. Photo supplied

“The hardest part of this journey has been living in the hospital, away from my other two children. They don’t fully understand why I’m away for such long periods. It’s been incredibly difficult for my husband too, as he had to stop working as a long-distance truck driver to take care of our other children while I stay with Damian in the hospital.”

She says Damian’s illness and treatment have changed her “in ways I can’t fully explain. My faith is stronger than ever. I’ve learned patience like never before learning to be present in the moment and to wait simply.”

The toddler gets frustrated with his situation, especially when his brothers are playing outside and he can’t because he must stay in isolation to protect him from germs. “So everything and everyone is sanitised,” said Damian’s mom.

Damian’s parents are unsure of how much he can hear because of the hole in one of his eardrums. Photo supplied

He hasn’t learned to talk, which adds to his parents’ frustration, while he has a hole in one of his eardrums. His parents are therefore unsure how much he can hear.

“Any financial assistance would help us so much because the trips from Carletonville to Pretoria are financially draining and we still need to provide for our family, especially with our other boy having chronic asthma.

“My husband also tries to farm with whatever he can get, but that’s also expensive for us. There are bills, medicine for our child, school stuff, and food to buy.”

Damian’s siblings Raiden (6) and Tristan Steyn (4) with their mom Monique. Photo supplied

Damian and his mom travel regularly to the children’s hospital in Pretoria and they stay there for weeks away from his siblings, Raiden (6) and Tristan Steyn (4). They will have to spend all of December in Pretoria for the intense chemotherapy he’ll be receiving.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh