Jordans Journey

Jordan has a very rare Thyroid cancer. Being such a rare cancer, and almost unheard of in children, has consequently brought about its own set of complications, being the possibility of treatment and the type of treatment having to be investigated and discussed at length. Jordan needs to travel to the USA twice a year for medical treatment. His mom is a single mother of 4 and needs support in any form. Follow his page on Facebook – Jordan’s Journey – The Thyroid Cancer Warrior.

The family have sought expert advice from Dr. Sam Wells at the National Institute of Health in the US who has conducted clinical trials involving children with the above condition and he is of the opinion that the drug Vandetanib is a necessity for Jordan. This is the only drug available and our only hope preventing his cancer from spreading. Unfortunately, the cost of this drug is extravagant and is currently quoted at R55 000 per month with fluctuations in the price also being a distinct possibility due to Rand / Dollar exchange rate changes.

Jordan is currently registered on a trial and undergoing treatment at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Washington. He is responding very well on treatment. This however means that they have to travel to the USA twice yearly which comes at a huge cost.

Jordan currently has a tracheostomy and needs mom to be with him continuously .

“Your child has cancer”, these are words that you never think you will hear, words that usher in a nightmare. As parents we continuously protect our children, we always put their safety first but with cancer everything changes, it is a life-altering diagnosis into the unknown. In my experience I can honestly describe it as feeling very overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. It is the most traumatising experience my children and I have ever had to face" - Mom