With September dedicated to childhood cancer awareness and speaking out against the disease, a Somerset West boy was honoured as a remarkably brave little warrior who won the fight and now serves as the face of his family’s miraculous belief of faith over fear.
Seven-year-old Mikael Hurling is a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. According to online sources, white blood cells or lymphocytes go out of control, causing swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body.
In Mikael’s case, his diagnosis came after he had fallen ill and presented one of the most common symptoms, a swelling in a lymph node in the neck.
His mom Lee-Ann shared the family’s journey, which began in 2019, consulting numerous paediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) who either treated the then four-year-old for a common cold or bronchitis.
Following blood tests, a GP confirmed he had been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus that causes glandular fever, which Mikael was treated for with antibiotics three times in the span of seven months. As for the swollen gland in his neck, instead of subsiding as medical practitioners said it would, it simply grew in size. In July 2020, Mikael was seen by a medical professional and relative, Dr Errol Visser, who immediately referred Mikael to a specialist at Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital, where the toddler underwent a scan and two biopsies.
“We were called in on 17 July, and informed it was cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” his mom recalled. “The specialist referred us to Professor Allen Davidse at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. On 20 July Professor Davidse spoke to my husband, Garth, and me, explaining the treatment Mikael would receive, how the chemotherapy cycles would work and that the hospital would be our new home.”
how is it even possible?
The parents were devastated and numbed by the news. However, they knew they had to keep their composure, especially after welcoming a new baby in March that year.
Said Lee-Ann: “We grappled with so many difficult questions: How could this happen, how is it even possible? How does one tell one’s four-year-old that he has cancer, that he needs chemotherapy, how sick he may become, why all the tests, why he must be on a drip for days on end, why he is losing his hair?This when you, as the grown-up, can’t fathom the thought of seeing your child going through something like this; when all we wanted was for him to be a healthy little boy. Many a day I wished it was me and not him.”
Mikael had to undergo positron emission tomography (PET) scans, a bone marrow biopsy, Covid-19 tests – all in one week, before the first seven days of chemotherapy.
The mother of two further recalled fighting back tears when Mikael, who can very easily sense others’ emotions, wanted answers after his very first treatment. “I had to hold back my tears and explain as best I could what he may feel, how his body would change and why we had to shave his hair. He looked at me saying with a sense of acceptance, ‘It will be okay, mamma’.”
Providing insight into the journey, Lee-Ann shared that over the weeks her son received therapy she would be at his side in hospital during the day, while her husband stayed with him overnight. This was made possible only with the valued support of her mother-in-law in taking care of their newborn.
the longest period
Chemotherapy weeks were the “good” weeks. The days following the aggressive treatment is what took its toll, what with fever spikes, tummy aches, joint pains, mouth sores and no appetite, which often sent the family right back to hospital, where Mikael stayed for most days of the week. And Covid-19 threw a further spanner in the works.
“August to November was the longest period in our lives,” Lee-Ann said. “September was the most difficult, seeing my child and his near-lifeless little body connected to so many tubes, for feeding, blood transfusions and pain medication. All I did was pray over every drop of medication and blood going in his body, pleading with God to take his pain away.”
Fortunately, Mikael remained strong and positive throughout his journey. His parents were honest and he understood he was sick and never complained.
On the good days at home, Mikael tried to be his normal, nature loving, outdoorsy self, albeit with limitations. He was often reminded there were to be no bumps, cuts or bruises.
The journey from diagnosis to his miraculous recovery entailed sleepless nights, endlessly long days, immense fatigue, emotional exhaustion, dedication love and a faith that saw the family through.
“We are a close-knit family and our faith in God carried us,” Lee-Ann said.
they sacrificed for us
“We had so many prayer warriors, and still do, as well as a family that dropped everything to provide food parcels, run errands and just be there for us. Our humble ‘thank you’ seems so small for what they sacrificed for us.”
Dad Garth added that prayers literally streamed in from every corner of their world. Strangers and former colleagues became friends, each contributing in their own way to provide them renewed strength to face another day. “In my experience I found prayer changes everything. In all the things we do, we should never forget to pray. During those deep, dark nights I spent in hospital, I was angry that I just did not feel like speaking to God. Then Mikael would ask me to pray for him out of the blue, bringing me back to God.”
Garth recalled Mikael resonating with his favourite gospel songs, “Raise a hallelujah” and “Waymaker”, which not only rejuvenated his fighting spirit, but served as proof that God was and is truly present in his life.
A highlight Garth felt compelled to proclaim was a dream Mikael shared about God speaking to him. “He couldn’t see God, only this big white cloud. He also recalled getting a fright after thunder bellowed. It is in those moments you realise everything is going to be alright. God answers prayers. Every doctor, specialist, nurse and even security guard at the hospital would pray for us. They were prayers being answered. Mikael was taken care of by people who believed in a mighty God, the same God we serve.”
importance of family
The parents experienced first-hand what God can do and, through His grace, have learnt the value of life and the importance of family and friendships.
“Our faith has been tested, but this just brought us closer to God,” Lee-Ann said. “Putting everything in His hands, not relying on ourselves, and accepting help and assistance were key.”
The message they have for others facing the battle alongside a loved one is: “Have faith over fear. Be patient. The journey is difficult because of the unknown and uncertainty ahead. Support in any form never goes unnoticed.”
Lee-Ann and Garth, who are testament to the blessing that awaits when working through tough situations and not giving up the battle, also express special thanks to Drs Errol and Tim Visser, Prof. Davidse and the medical staff at Red Cross hospital, Lee-Ann’s employer, Dr Elmo Pretorius, both their parents and siblings for their continued support and guidance.
Their loving boy has his following check-up next month and looks forward to ringing the bell upon receiving the all clear in three year’s time.
