One month before her birthday, Farren Grace (7), a grade one pupil from Westville, Durban, was diagnosed with Leukemia, a rare form of cancer in the blood and bone marrow.
Pictured above: Farren not feeling well after a day of chemo
As a result of her condition, Farren faces frequent infections, fatigue as well as bleeding and bruising, as her abnormal white blood cells travel through her bloodstream, attacking her healthy cells.
Dealing with Farren’s devastating diagnosis has been difficult for her parents, Elrigh Grace and Katie Pillinger, who have spent every possible moment at their daughter’s side as she has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy over the last 3 months.
“At the moment we are just taking it one day at a time and rely heavily on our faith to get us through. It’s been incredibly tough and a rollercoaster ride but Farren is positive and keeps us all smiling with her optimism!” says Katie.
Pictured above: Farren and her mom, Katie
South Africans coming together
The Grace family are eternally grateful for the community that has surrounded them during this difficult time.
With the generous support of 313 donors, over R430 000 has been raised on BackaBuddy to help fund Farren’s cancer treatment, and home care, estimated to cost over R500 000.
Pictured above: Farren doing her homework in Hospital
“We so appreciate every prayer; messages of encouragement and hope; acts of kindness and love and of course donations which hugely help ease the financial burden Farren’s treatment and care has placed on our family.” says Katie
Pictured above: Farren and her dad, Elrigh
At the moment Farren is undergoing her second phase of chemotherapy – the most intense phase which means most of her time is spent in isolation at Parklands Hospital. She will then need a bone marrow biopsy to determine the effectiveness of her treatment and the way forward.
The family’s biggest hope at the moment is that the fun, friendly and full of life Farren’s health will be restored in order for her to return to school and have the wonderful life she deserves.
Photo above: Farren with her mom, Katie and stepdad, Luke
Support Farren’s cancer treatment on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/farren-grace
Alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/farren-grace-medical
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