Rocklands Primary teacher and pupils spread hope and cancer awareness

At Rocklands Primary, two pupils and a teacher have shown courage during Cancer Awareness Month.

Among them is Micah Vlotman, 13, from Tafelsig, who is now in remission after battling Burkitt lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting her lymph nodes.

Micah’s journey began at age seven. During a family reunion, she experienced excruciating pain and was taken to a doctor, who suspected appendicitis, she said.

Her appendix was removed, but the pain persisted. Further tests eventually revealed cancer. She underwent numerous procedures, including spinal blood tests, and spent 18 months in hospital during 2019, she said.

“It was full of ups and downs, but I had my family and friends with me,” Micah said.

She also recalls the support of a friend she met in the oncology ward, which helped her cope. Despite her illness, she stayed focused on schoolwork and gymnastics at Cedar Gymnastics Club.

In September last year, she rang the bell to mark the start of her remission, a moment filled with relief but also uncertainty about the future.

Her teacher, Jennifer McKay, said, “Micah’s courage shows how strength and determination can guide someone through the toughest battles. She is a true example of hope for her peers.”

Meanwhile, Grade R pupil John-Luke Francis was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in February.

His mother, Jodi-Lynn Francis, noticed his lips were pale and he had bruising, prompting a blood test.

A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and John-Luke was admitted to Red Cross Children’s Hospital for chemotherapy and, at Rondebosch Medical Centre, received his stem cell transplant.

“Never throughout this has my faith left me,” Jodi-Lynn said. “We must stick through it. My parents and friends have helped us a lot. I kept John informed about his treatment and reassured him I would be with him every step of the way. Parents must advocate for their children and look out for early signs. Faith carried us through.”

John-Luke’s twin, Daniel, was a perfect match for the transplant.

After seven weeks in hospital, John-Luke was discharged and continues recovering at home under strict precautions.

“We don’t take him to crowds. He plays with his brothers and is monitored constantly,” Jodi-Lynn said.

Teacher Gamieda Dollie also shared a personal battle with breast cancer.

She began treatment in 2022 after discovering a node under her arm. After two rounds of chemotherapy and treatment, the cancer metastasised to her liver, requiring additional treatment.

Although she previously returned to teaching, her ongoing recovery means she is currently unable to teach.

She encouraged people to care for their bodies and always seek help through medical avenues. She participates in a support group in Strandfontein, learning about healthy living, mindset, and coping strategies.

“I have built up a mindset and coping mechanism to deal with my illness,” Dollie said. “Being part of a support group has helped me immensely. Cancer sounds like a lemon; it has all the sourness, but you take it and make lemonade. Faith, positivity, and the support of family and friends keep life bearable.”