A Gordon’s Bay father is appealing to the Helderberg community for their generous support as his son prepares for crucial medical treatment to combat a severe keloid disorder.
Words aren’t enough to express Bram Rasool’s distress as a parent over the suffering experienced by his 30-year-old son Keanou, whose skin condition sees tissue growing excessively, with abnormally thick protrusions that occur across his body. It has placed the family under significant financial strain and has been emotionally and mentally challenging for more than a decade. “For the past 13 years I have been the sole breadwinner because Keanou cannot work due to his condition.”
Keanou’s journey with the disorder began in 2012, when small keloids started forming on his back. After a year the protrusions or growths started appearing more rapidly, spreading across his entire upper body. “At our first meeting the specialist enquired whether Keanou’s body had experienced any trauma. Initially, acne was suspected, but that was ruled out. To this day the cause of his condition remains a mystery.”
As is common with the disorder, Keanou has unsightly red-tinted growths on his chest, shoulders and arms, cheeks and earlobes, the latter affecting his hearing. He avoids public appearances and battles severe itching and irritation all over his body, along with constant shooting pains through the keloids. The disorder has also derailed his tertiary studies. Keanou, who was pursuing a BComm Accounting degree, had to drop out in his second year due to the overwhelming burden of the condition. However, he is now hopeful for some respite now that life-altering treatment is within reach and he is scheduled to undergo an operation this week.
Said his father: “He remains positive and hopeful for a successful outcome.”
After the operation Keanou will require urgent radiotherapy to help minimise the regrowth of the keloids. While the surgery will be performed pro bono, the three radiation sessions will cost R21 000. Funding is also needed for other medical expenses. “Initially, the surgery will address the keloids on his face and ear, the rest of his body treated in future. Scheduled for Friday morning [16 May at 09:00], it is expected to last about seven hours. After waking he’ll need to travel to Hermanus for his first radiation, followed by two more sessions the following day. This specialist radiation treatment offers at least a 50/50 chance of preventing regrowth.”
Asked how locals can support Keanou’s cause, Bram said: “The community is asked to pray for a successful surgery and recovery.” Those willing to assist the family financially can contact Bram directly on 076 782 1662 or bramrasool65@gmail.com
