Meet Ghalieb Williams, an Oncology patient.

Ghalieb is a friendly, well mannered young boy who was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma at the age of 11 years. On 23 July 2009 Ghalieb complained of excruciating stomach pains to his mother who rushed him to their local general practitioner. Ghalieb's doctor realised the severity of his condition and immediately referred him to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital for treatment. The very next day Ghalieb underwent a series of comprehensive examinations and tests at the Hospital.

Doctors discovered a malignant tumour in Ghalieb's abdomen. Just a few days later, on 27 July 2009, Ghalieb underwent a mini–laparotomy and biopsy in the Hospital's new, state–of–the–art operating theatre. After three days in the ICU he was transferred to the G1 Oncology ward at the Hospital, where he received life–saving chemotherapy.

Ghalieb was operated on twice in the new Operating Theatre Complex and is very thankful for the top–class medical care and emotional support he received before, during and after his operation. His mother, Mariam, is “ever thankful” for the donations which enabled the Hospital's world class, R125 million Operating Theatre Complex to open in September 2009.

Ghalieb is now home and doing well. He loves music and karaoke parties and wishes to be a famous singer someday.

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