His dream was to sit in a race car and on Saturday this dream became a reality for Siyabonga Mokoena (11) from Table View.
“Siya has always liked race cars,” explains his mom, Grace.
She says it started with ‘Lightning McQueen’ from the animation movie Cars, who is still his favourite movie character, but from there a love for racing cars developed.
Rare disease
In real life, Siya is, however, in a race against time and will be lucky if he lives past the age of 16.
About two years ago he was diagnosed with degenerative leiomyopathy, a rare disorder that affects the nerves and muscles of the intestines, explains Grace.
Currently there is no cure for the disorder and doctors can only manage the symptoms.
“For now he is doing fine,” says Grace who hasn’t given up hope that someone will find a cure.
“We’re being positive, and praying for the best, that’s all we can do for now,” adds her best friend, Kamo Mtshali, who has been Grace’s tower of strength since Siya was diagnosed.
Grace says the Red Cross Children’s Hospital where Siya is being treated, put them in contact with Paedspal, an organisation that provides palliative care services and support for critically ill children and their families.
It is through Paedspal that Siyabonga’s dream, to sit in a real race car, was realised this past weekend.
A dream come true
Dee-Jay Booysen from Burgundy Estate, current Formula Libre champion, says he was contacted by an acquaintance that is involved with the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and Paedspal and when he heard Siya’s story, jumped at the opportunity.
“No one likes being ill and for a moment it allowed him to forget about it all,” says Booysen.
Siya, his mom and sister, as well as Mtshali and her children, were invited to spend Saturday at Killarney Raceway where the second round of the Power Series roared to life.
“It was our first race, and definitely not our last. We’re having so much fun,” Grace told TygerBurger with a smile on her face while Siya and the other children were playing in the children’s play area at Killarney’s clubhouse.
Moments before, Siya had the opportunity to sit in the Formula VW that Booysen has been racing for the past three years and in which he clinched both the Formula Libre Class S and overall championship titles last year.
It’s all about the smile
Booysen says they even started the car for Siya.
“Just the smile on his face made it worth it,” says Booysen.
“It reminded me of the times I came to Killarney as a child and were looking up to my role models.
“Siya and his family are amazing people and it was an honour for Team Dico to have them as our guests.”
To make the day even more special, Booysen also had some supporter caps made for Siya as well as a signed poster with Siya’s name printed on it.
“I also offered to help him if he wants to give motorsport a try when he is older. Siya is an amazing child and having him and his family in our garage made my day special.”
After his turn in Booysen’s red Formula VW, Siya also jumped into the Formula Vee of Dico teammate, Ryno Pentz.
Grace says she is amazed and thankful for all the effort to make Siya’s day special. “Dee-Jay went out of his way and made our day extra fun.”
She adds that Peadspal have also been amazing in their support from the get-go.
Siya was also meant to meet fellow Formula Libre driver Andrew Rackstraw, but there was a change in plans due to Rackstraw taking part in the South African Endurance National Championship at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria on Saturday.
“But, we’ll be back on the 18th (March) . . . ” says Grace, when the Extreme Festival is in town and will see Rackstraw compete in the national Grand Touring Cars (GTC) championship.
“ . . . and for many races after that,” Grace says.
