The Western Cape Education Department told TygerBurger the determination and commitment shown by Keishia Ruiters to her education is inspiring.
In an interview with TygerBurger a day after her passing, her mother, Lynette Ruiters, said her daughter was put on life support on Tuesday morning, the same day she died.
“I left the hospital at 07:00 to freshen up and get rest because I slept there the previous night. When I got back just after 11:00, I saw Keishia was put on life support. My child looked like she was in so much pain. I could see she was suffering,” said Lynette.
Her mother explained that Keishia, who was in matric last year, was first diagnosed with leukaemia on 4 May last year. For the next few months she remained in Tygerberg Hospital until her cancer went into remission on 30 November last year. “She missed her entire school year as she was only able to write her first-term exams.
This year she redid her matric year because she was determined to complete it.” On Tuesday 20 November, during her final exams, Keishia fell ill again. Lynette explained that even though she felt ill, Keishia got out of bed on Wednesday 21 November to go to school to write an exam. “She didn’t allow her illness to stop her from fulfilling her dream. Keishia was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital on Thursday 22 November, but she again insisted that she wants to write her last two papers. She was able to write her last two papers on Friday 23 November and Monday 26 November in the hospital ward.
“All my child wanted was to complete her matric year and she was able to do this. This is a very difficult time for my family, but as her mother I’m happy she is not suffering anymore.”
He told TygerBurger that many girls at the school looked up to her. “She was an exemplary pupil and always willing to help. Her passing is such a loss for all of us and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
“As a school, we appreciate the fact that the WCED accommodated her as she wanted to complete her exams. It consisted of our school having to do a lot of phone calls in order to have this arranged.”
Tygerberg Hospital also expressed sadness at Keishia’s passing.
