Chánterie van Rensburg, a 12-year-old Grade 7 learner and Head Girl from Cape Town, is undergoing intensive medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. This sudden turn of events has dramatically altered her young life. As she focuses on treatment and recovery, a close family friend has turned to crowdfunding, and a growing community is rallying behind her to help support the journey ahead.
What was meant to be a normal December family holiday took an unexpected turn when Chánterie experienced sudden numbness in her legs. She was admitted to hospital on 6 January 2026, where an MRI scan revealed a growth on her spine. Doctors performed a four-hour operation shortly after her admission.
Further tests brought devastating news. Chánterie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer that mainly affects children and adolescents. A PET scan later confirmed that the cancer had spread, and she had to begin intensive chemotherapy without delay.
A young leader with unwavering resolve
Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Chánterie’s response has been marked by resilience and determination. Known at school for her leadership, academic commitment, and involvement in sport and cultural activities, she has approached her treatment with the same strength she shows in her role as Head Girl.
After her oncologist explained the diagnosis and treatment plan, Chánterie responded with quiet resolve.
“We are fighting this bug,” she said.
Her faith and outlook have been a source of strength for her family during the most difficult moments. Recalling a conversation during the early days of her diagnosis, her mother shared: “During a very early morning conversation, filled with tears, she said, ‘Mommy, Jesus wants to use me. He chose me.’ Her faith and acceptance showed strength far beyond her years.”
Following spinal surgery, Chánterie has had to relearn basic movements, including sitting, standing, and walking. Each day involves careful rehabilitation, patience, and persistence as she works toward regaining her independence while continuing cancer treatment.
Time, treatment, and the need for support
For her parents, Divan and Clarissa van Rensburg, the uncertainty surrounding her recovery has been one of the hardest aspects of the journey. “Watching your child want so badly to return to her normal life, while knowing her immune system is compromised, is incredibly hard,” they said.
Returning to school remains Chánterie’s greatest motivation. She hopes to reconnect with her classmates, resume learning, and once again be part of the school community that gives her purpose and joy.
A community responds with generosity
To help cover the growing costs associated with medical care, treatment, and recovery, a close friend of the Van Rensburg family launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy titled Let’s FIGHT this ‘gogga’ for Chánterie. The campaign has allowed the family to focus on her care while drawing support from a wide network of donors.
In just 12 days, the BackaBuddy campaign raised R447 000, reaching 56% of its R800,000 goal, with 461 individual donors contributing. Support has come from Chánterie’s school, neighbouring schools, and individuals across South Africa, Switzerland, US, Scotland, UK, Saudi and Australia who have shared messages of encouragement, prayer, and solidarity.
“The prayers, love, and support have carried us through these weeks in ways we cannot fully describe,” her parents shared. “We are deeply grateful.”
To support Chánterie van Rensburg, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lets-fight-this-gogga-for-chnterie
