- Caroline Seshoka from Soshanguve in Pretoria is the devoted mother of Lebogang, an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.
- Lebogang is paralyzed, unable to control her bladder or bowel movements, and desperately needs a wheelchair, nappies and special food.
- Her mother is emotionally and financially drained, carrying her daughter daily while navigating public hospitals and devastating updates.
Caroline Seshoka remembers a time, not long ago, when her daughter Lebogang was full of energy. A bright, able, bubbly child. That time now feels like a different life. Since May, everything changed.
Lebogang, just 11 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 Medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The disease has spread rapidly through her body, leaving her paralysed and unable to control her bowel or bladder movements. She can no longer walk, sit on her own, or go to the toilet. Most days, she vomits her food. Even the smallest things are now tangled with pain.
“She used to walk. Now I carry her in my arms everywhere, and she’s heavy,” says Caroline. “She has no wheelchair, no special bed, nothing. She depends on me for everything. And some days, I can see that helplessness in her eyes.”
A mother on the edge, a child in need
Lebogang is receiving care at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Hospital, where doctors have confirmed the cancer’s severity. Initial hopes for chemotherapy were dashed when the tumour spread too rapidly through her body. Radiation is now the only option, but it, too, comes with a heavy warning. Doctors say it may not help much, and the risks are significant.
“Even with a higher radiation dose, the chances of survival are minimal,” Caroline says. “But what choice do we have? We are holding on to hope, however small.”
Caroline’s life now revolves entirely around caregiving. Her daughter urgently needs a wheelchair so that Caroline no longer must carry her, adult nappies because Lebogang cannot control her bladder or bowel movements, and certain foods that she can keep down, because most meals make her nauseous.
Transport to and from the hospital is also a challenge, and although some good Samaritans have helped in the past, the costs continue to rise. Caroline is trying to stay strong, but the emotional toll is enormous.
“I’m emotionally broken. Financially, we are drowning in debt. Mentally, I’m trying to stay strong, but it feels like my mind is unravelling,” she confesses. “Sometimes I sit and cry alone, wondering why this is happening to us. I ask God every day.”
Community stepping in, but it’s not enough
So far, Caroline has received some assistance from kind-hearted social media users, local church members, and a few people in her community. The Reach for a Dream Foundation has stepped in as well, offering some relief. But it’s not enough.
Caroline also holds out hope for something beyond daily survival; a second opinion. “I would appreciate any help, especially maybe getting other opinions from private cancer associations,” she says. “Even just knowing that we’ve tried everything for her would mean a lot.”
Despite it all, Caroline remains grounded in faith. “Family is here, and they support where they can. But I know I need more help.” Her voice may be tired, but her spirit is not broken. And Caroline will keep fighting.
How you can help
Lebogang needs material and medical support now. Her mother is asking for help with getting a proper wheelchair, ongoing supplies of adult nappies, specific soft foods that Lebogang can eat without vomiting, and assistance with transport to and from her hospital appointments. Equally important is emotional support for both mother and child, as well as guidance on reaching cancer support organisations or medical professionals who may be able to provide second opinions and comfort care options.
If you can assist with donations, referrals, sponsorships, or emotional support, please contact Caroline directly on 066 120 2303.
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