I am Ronell, and I am the mother of Franklyn.
Franklyn experienced two weeks of persistent headaches and vomiting. We initially sought help at the local clinic and then consulted a doctor who suspected it might be either an ear or stomach infection. On July 9, 2023, as I tried to wake him up, it became evident that he couldn’t respond, prompting us to rush him to Paarl Hospital. All initial tests yielded negative results, but we had to wait until Monday for hospital scans. On July 11, 2023, the scan results unveiled a brain tumor in Franklyn. In a hurry, we were transferred to Tygerberg Hospital, arriving at 09:00 a.m. Further tests were conducted, and after a surgical procedure, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor.
Franklyn commenced treatment on August 17, 2023. Around the 7th of August, we were relocated to the CHOC Tygerberg Lodge, where we were warmly welcomed. Despite the heartbreak and constant worry about the future, staying here feels like a respite, akin to being on vacation. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation for their invaluable support during this challenging period.
