A RECENT can collection campaign, initiated by the JKA Karate dojo in Port Elizabeth, raised funds for a cancer survivor to receive medical treatment.
Tian Diedericks, an 11-year-old cancer survivor, has been in remission for three months after being diagnosed with bone cancer in December 2017.
The JKA Karate dojo, together with sansei Shaun Kapp, handed over a generous R3 300, which was raised through the can collection campaign.
The funds donated will go towards operations to repair his mouth cavity and the straightening of his teeth.
“Our karate dojo began to raise funds for the family after Tian’s school, Altona Primary School, originally started the campaign for little Tian.
“His operation needed a lot of money and cans were the best option,” said Elize Stoltz from the JKA Karate dojo.
The students wore pink belts in honour of people with cancer and to show support for Tian.
“Tian’s friend, Corné Stoltz, who is a student at the karate dojo, also helped with the campaign. We initially started by asking the students to collect money and throw it in the cans. Every little contribution helped towards raising these funds for Tian,” Stoltz said.
Tian’s sister died three years ago at the age of 21 with the same cancer.
Tian’s mother, Tania Diedericks, said, “Tian had stage four cancer. It was in his jawbone. After three months of chemo, the tumour continued to grow.
“In April 2018, Tian’s entire jaw was replaced. He has undergone an 11-hour operation and is still receiving chemotherapy after six months. It was a tough time for us as a family – especially financially and after losing our daughter as well. The medical aid was not able to pay for all the operations,” Diedericks said.
The family expressed their gratitude to the karate dojo and Tian’s school for their support and generosity.
“We are so grateful for all donations from the karate dojo and Tian’s school – it will really help Tian to receive the much-needed operations. Tian missed a whole year of schooling because of his cancer, but is very excited to be back again,” Diedericks said.
Diedericks described Tian as a lovable child with a passion for the martial arts.
She added, “Tian will be able to have a normal life now and it’s all thanks to everyone who has helped him.
“For Tian, the little things in life is important and I am so happy that he will be able to experience that again.”
