Tuesday, 29 June, 2010

Peaceful Makhubele will be able to smile, eat and laugh again after Talk Radio 702 and The Dis-Chem Foundation donated R150 000 towards her medical needs.

To mark the achievement of 702 over the past 30 years, the station with the help of generous donations is able to make special birthday wishes come true. Peaceful was a normal 11 year old girl until what appeared to be a pimple on Peaceful’s nose was later diagnosed as a malignant tumour that doubled in size every month.

Danielle Kloeck heard of Peaceful’s condition from her mother Beatrice who is an assistant teacher to her son. “I couldn’t just sit around and let her look after my child in the mornings while her own child was suffering something that words cannot describe,” said Danielle. “The tumour was in the muscle and bone and was so big it pushed some of her teeth out on the left, invaded part of her sinuses and was close to her brain,” said Danielle.

The tumour needed resection, chemotherapy and plastic surgery. While all oncology expenses are being paid by the State, Beatrice must pay for every admission that is required. Beatrice also needs to pay for the ongoing reconstructive surgery that will allow her daughter to perform daily life functions.

“Her surgery is not being done so she looks pretty,” said Danielle. “It was so she could chew, swallow and talk – simple things that each one of us needs to survive.”
The costs of these ongoing procedures range from R35 000 to R40 000 and, as Peaceful grows, the procedures need to be repeated. Ongoing check ups are also charged for and living expenses have increased as a result of Peaceful’s changing diet. While Danielle is trying to do all that she can with the funds she has, she knows it won’t be enough.

“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said 702 afternoon presenter David O’Sullivan. “But we’ve turned to our friends at the Dis-Chem Foundation to help out once again.”

“What an incredibly strong, brave and beautiful young girl,” said project manager of the Dis-Chem Foundation, Penny Stein. “I’d like to thank Danielle for trying to make a difference in the lives of other people. We really commend the work that she does.”

To help ease the burden off Danielle, Beatrice and her family, Dis-chem will be covering the cost of the three upcoming reconstructive procedures. The Foundation will also donate R30 000 to cover the costs of increasing daily expense.

“Once the three procedures have been completed we’ll review Peaceful’s condition and possibly continue to contribute to her recovery process,” said Penny. “We wish Peaceful lots of strength and a speedy recovery.” Beatrice was at a loss for words. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you for everything,” she said.

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