I Refuse to Give Up: Solwethu’s Story

A year ago, Solwethu’s world caved in. She was only 12 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the fiercest battle of her young life began. “It’s not easy on her.” Her mother, Nolunthu, sighs. Her eyes are sad, her face weary. “The first time we came here, it was very difficult because she was crying when she heard that we needed to be here to treat her cancer. It was not an easy time. She was very, very cross.”

Solwethu’s year-long struggle has taken its toll on the family as well. The demanding treatment regime and continual care have made holding down a job immensely challenging for Nolunthu. “I can’t work because I have to be here every time for her treatment. Sometimes no one at home is working.” The added burden of financial strain makes the already heavy load feel unmanageable.

The Family Care project has been able to alleviate some of that worry. “They started giving us food vouchers after two months of treatment. This time, I told the social workers that I didn’t have money for school shoes, so they helped me to buy shoes. They really help me.”

Solwethu’s new shoes will have to wait a little longer to be worn, though. She is back in hospital. “Now we are admitted, and she is cross because she can’t start school.” Nolunthu shakes her head sadly before adding, with a gentle laugh, “She loves school too much.”

Solwethu also loves soccer. When she talks about it, her eyes shine and she sits a little straighter. “I love sports. I don’t have many friends, but my teammates are my friends.” She missed many practices last season either because she was in hospital or because the treatment made her too weak to play.

Then, suddenly, a cloud passes over her face and the light vanishes from her eyes. She looks down at the drip in her hand and says, with cold disdain in her voice, “I hope that I’ll get done with this treatment and continue with what I was doing.” Her eyes burn with anger. “Because now this treatment keeps making me stop and go, stop and go.” She stops abruptly as tears well up and threaten to fall.

Despite how hard the road is, Nolunthu is hopeful that they’ll make it through, “I have hope that, one day, we’ll get out of this because we are in good hands. The doctors are good. I talk to other patients, and they say it takes two or three years, but I have hope.”