Family appeals for R1 million to help Bellville student fight cancer

A young woman from Bellville with big dreams of becoming a teacher and changing the world one child at a time has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer linked to Lynch Syndrome.

Sue Kayla Coetzee, 20, is in her second year studying towards a Diploma in Grade R teaching through SANTS Private Higher Education Institution.

However, her dream is now on hold as she fights the dreaded disease and constant agonising pain.

“In April, I went in for surgery where they cut out a tumour in my colon and only when the results came in May is when I found out that I have cancer.

“Since my diagnosis, I have endured multiple hospital admissions, surgeries, investigations, scans, blood transfusions and specialist consultations.

“One of the hardest parts of my battle is living with constant cancer-related pain and also living with a stoma bag.

“I require medication around the clock to help manage my symptoms and there are many days when simply getting through the day is a challenge. I can’t do anything because I am in constant pain.”

The same hereditary cancer she was diagnosed with claimed the life of her dad. She is the youngest of three and lives with her mother, who was laid off from work due to an injury.

Immunotherapy has been identified as a treatment that may offer hope in her fight; however, she needs R1 million to cover medical expenses and treatments.

“Every test is between R80 000 and R100 000 per session. I am a full-time student and only have my mother, who is home after getting injured at work, as my dad passed away from the same cancer I have. The challenge is the cost.

“While I am fortunate to have medical aid cover, it does not cover all the costs associated with the treatment and specialist care I require.

“The financial shortfall is significant, and the estimated cost of immunotherapy and related medical expenses could be as much as R1 million. My family and I cannot meet these costs alone, which is why I am humbly asking for support.

“The funds raised will help cover: Immunotherapy treatment costs not covered by medical aid; oncology consultations and specialist care, hospital and medical expenses, diagnostic scans, pathology tests and ongoing monitoring, medication and supportive treatment, travel and other treatment-related expenses.”

Despite all her life-threatening challenges, Sue Kayla is determined to battle on, with the dream of making a difference keeping her going.

“Becoming a teacher has always been a dream of mine because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of young children. Even through the challenges I face every day, I continue to hold on to that dream.

“Cancer may have changed my life, but it has not taken away my hope.”

Sue Kayla has set up a BackaBuddy page where she hopes to raise the necessary funds to cover the treatment and cancer-related surgeries.