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| Dominique |
She LOVES the colour PINK!
She loves to wear pink clothes.
She loves to eat pink biscuits and ice-cream.
She loves to do ballet in her pink tutu...
and she LOVES to PLAY with her friends on the jungle gym at school...
But in February this year, Dominique had a seizure after which she developed weakness of her left arm and leg. MRI scan revealed two large tumours in her brain.
Dominique came to surgery on 15 Feb 2011 where one of the tumours was removed but the other was left in-situ because of its critical position in her brain. Post-operatively Dominique’s left sided weakness resolved, and a long discussion ensued about further treatment. Eventually it was decided that further surgery would not be of benefit and that Dominique would receive chemo-radiation followed by chemotherapy at GVI Oncology in George.
Dominique completed her chemo-radiation on 22 June 2011 and continued with chemotherapy alone. A post treatment MRI scan was done just after it was noted that she had begun to develop worsening left sided weakness in early August 2011. The scan showed that the remaining tumour had grown considerably and was now infiltrating into her brain.
Dominique will not benefit from further surgery. Further radiotherapy is not possible and further chemotherapy is inappropriate as her disease progression has occurred on chemotherapy. Her brain tumour is therefore incurable.
Dominique is now receiving palliative care only and her condition is deteriorating rapidly. We anticipate that her survival will only be a few weeks to months. Her physical condition is also such that she is no longer able to attend day-care and she needs to be cared for at home.
Dominique’s parents, Marieta and Johan, are devastated at the thought of losing their daughter. But not only do they need to cope with their emotions, they are also buckling under the financial pressure of the mounting medical bills. The family only has very limited hospital cover.
Marieta would love to be able to take some time off work to spend with her daughter – caring for her at home – but she has exhausted all her paid leave and is the main bread-winner for the family.
We would love to be able to assist this family by raising funds to:
• Allow Marieta to take unpaid leave
• Cover the cost of home-based palliative care
If you would like to support the Du Toit family during this tragic time, please be so kind to make a donation into the following account:
Name of account: Kruger & Co Trust Account 2 (Dominique)
Bank: ABSA Bank, Knysna
Branch Code: 632005
Account Number: 405 566 8437
Swift Code and Iban number: absazajj 632005
Telephone: +27 (0)44 302 4000
For further questions you are welcome to contact us at jennifer.zeinecker[at]cancercare.co.za
Last week I was at a client function, sharing a table with a woman whose son is 20 months, same age as my daughter, also in and out of hospital for treatment of a tumor, 25% chance of survival. It made me very sad and I was thinking, how happy I am with two healthy kids, hoping they will maintain their good health.
ReplyDeleteYour email made my heart ache and I hope that Dominique and her parents can somehow cherish the time they have together, with my and hopefully the contribution of many others.
Hearing of stories like these, makes me thing about the book “Die Brueder Loewenherz” (Brothers Lionheart) by Astrid Lindgren. It’s the most amazing book for kids/teenagers dealing with the topic of dying and what happens thereafter, a story told by a little boy who is suffering from terminal leukaemia and is afraid. His older brother then tells him about the land he will move to, to continue life, Nangiljama, a most fantastic place with dragons and unicorns and lots of adventures. Then, the house of the family catches fire and the older brother dies when he jumps out of the window with his little brother on his back. All in a sudden the little boy can't wait to see his brother again in Nangiljama where they eventually meet and live through a number of adventures throughout most of the book...
The story and writing is beautiful and in a way that it turns sadness into a new beginning - it is difficult to describe. I try to think of this story when I am sad about loosing someone.
A big hug to Dominique and her parents, strength and courage for the journey from Angela with Heye and little Lotta and Moritz
Wishing the Du Toit family and their little angel lots of love and strength over this time. We have made a modest donation and hope to do the same again next month. Much love The Alldermans
ReplyDeleteDear Family Du Toit!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is filled with sadness and I struggle to imagine how the situation must be for you. I hope that by donating some money that we can make a difference in your life and help to ease the pain of your current situation.
Please try to spend as much time as possible with your little loved one.
I wish you the strength to believe that Dominique is on her way to a warm, loving and happy space...
I wish you lots of love
Christoph Zeinecker, George
There are no words.
ReplyDeleteDear Dominique and family
ReplyDeleteThe time now is too short. I hope that you are able to spend it together. Wishing you strength and love.
Kind regards
Phil Ginsberg
Cape Town
Many thanks to all of you who have responded so generously to our call for support. Please help to keep the momentum going!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Jen
Knysna Elephant Park would like to sponsor the Du Toit family an elephant interaction experience, for some out of hospital family fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is known that animals assist in the therapy of humans, specifically children with special needs.
May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds during this challenging time.
Love,
Marlize and the Knysna Elephant Park Team
Dear Family
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best in this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Johan & Mertrude Davids as well as Kaylyn & Joel
Dearest Dominique and the Du Toit family,
ReplyDeleteYou are all in our thoughts and prayers!
We at PathCare wish you strength, love and peace during this difficult time.
Dr Ryan Soldin and the PathCare family.
So great to hear of all the wonderful help everyone is offering.
ReplyDeleteI saw Dominique yesterday. The girls came to play with mine and Marieta and I had a few cups of tea. Dom looks rather good. The cheeks are now really round but she is full of bouce and kisses and really a joy to watch. She LOVES swinging and I am told reach for a dream are organizing one for her. (and Bianca)
The time that Marieta is having at home is wonderful for the family and she says Dominique watches her like a hawk but no tears. They go to school for a few hours every day for a swing and play with the friends.
Its like a honeymoon , but impossible for any us to ignore the ominous clouds building up.
Liebe Dominique, liebe Familie!
ReplyDeleteIch habe heute eine Spende an die Kirchgemeinde St. Marien überwiesen in der Hoffnung, dass dies auch viele andere Menschen tun und Du Dir einen Wunsch erfüllen kannst und insbesondere, dass Deine Mama so oft und lange wie möglich bei Dir sein kann.
Nicht nur weil wir selbst betroffen sind, wünschen wir Euch auf diesem Weg ganz viel Liebe und denken auch unbekannterweise an Euch! Ute aus Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Dear Family
ReplyDeleteHere is the info that I phoned you about on 13 may 2012.
http://wwww.beating-cancer-gently.com
and
http://www.utopiawellness.com
Happy reading
If you wish to ccontact me my email is clarekeay@gmail.com
I believe Jesus will heal your grandchild. Contact Prophet T. B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations. I have been there before, there is no disease that Jesus cannot heal. Don't delay, make a step. You will be healed!
ReplyDeleteJesus is the healer. I encourage you to visit the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria for prayers. Their e-mail address is info@scoan.org. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Mulusa
+260977759597
Are there any updates on Dominique now? I only just read the article in Huisgenoot published in April, 2012.
ReplyDelete