The miracle of Khaya

Judith Mgobhozi shares the incredible story of of her son, Khayalethu,who was given 48 hours to live when he was diagnosed with leukaemia at three months. Today Khaya is a strong and upbeat six-year-old.

Khayalethu Makhaye (6) lives in, Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal with his mother, Judith, and his baby sister, Ziyana.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Khaya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at three months in June 2014. His temperature was high and he was vomiting and had diarrhoea so I took him to a private hospital where he was admitted. 

The paediatrician took blood; when he returned, he told me he was transferring Khaya to oncology because he thinks its cancer. When I heard the word cancer, it felt as if something sharp pierced through my stomach. 

Once at the oncology unit, more tests were done and it was confirmed that my baby had blood cancer. It was explained that the cells were growing extremely fast and Khaya needed to be treated immediately or he wouldn’t survive the next 48 hours. I had to agree to everything the doctors were suggesting to save my only son. 

A port was installed so all medication could be administered through it. The hospital became my home that weekend with me continually praying that my baby pulls through. 

Hope in the form of Rainbows and Smiles

That is when I met Bonnie from Rainbows and Smiles. She came when I needed her the most. I needed someone who had walked in my shoes (mother of a child with cancer). She gave me hope and believed that Khaya had a chance to pull through. And, he did!

Khaya was discharged on Monday and he was so much better. The doctor advised Khaya’s father and myself to decide on the treatment for our son and have a bit of a break because it was going to be a long journey. 

Three years of treatment

Khaya was then transferred to a public hospital where full treatment was offered. The treatment took three years to complete. It started with intensive chemotherapy that took eight months. Once again, the hospital became my home as he was an in-patient. Thereafter, Khaya had to attend the hospital clinic every Tuesday and Thursday for treatment for a year. Following that, treatment was monthly for a year. Then, every three months, and finally Khaya had completed treatment. 

Emotional support

As I said before, Rainbows and Smiles came through when I needed them the most. Both hospitals assisted with psychological support to help me through the pain of seeing my child suffer. 

However, when I spoke to Bonnie and she told me her story, I knew I wasn’t alone in this. She was there with me all the way, through raising funds (money was owed to the private hospital Khaya was first taken to) and helping me get through the pain. 

My son was well-taken care of by Rainbows and Smiles and Khaya’s dad and I will forever be grateful.

Giving back

When Khaya was sick, I started a group at work where we raised funds for kids with cancer. The donations were given to Rainbows and Smiles who then distributed warm clothes, bags, etc. to the needy kids. 

Whenever I’m at the hospital for Khaya’s check-ups, I speak to parents of the newly diagnosed kids to give them hope; if my kid made it so can theirs.

I also do translations, to help mothers who don’t understand English, on the importance of chemo and ensuring they start and complete treatment and don’t give up. Three years can be too long and some parents may give up along the way. I plan to continually be supportive to both parents and kids with cancer.

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