{"id":69550,"date":"2025-04-04T15:05:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T13:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/lucas-fight-against-childhood-liver-cancer-a-community-call-to-action\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:15:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T13:15:01","slug":"lucas-fight-against-childhood-liver-cancer-a-community-call-to-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/lucas-fight-against-childhood-liver-cancer-a-community-call-to-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Luca\u2019s Fight Against Childhood Liver Cancer: A Community Call to Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At only two years old, Luca Goliath is fighting a battle that no child should have to face. Diagnosed with Pretext IV Hepatoblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood liver cancer, Luca’s journey has been filled with immense challenges but also an outpouring of love and resilience from her family and supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facing the need for a life-saving liver transplant, her parents are doing everything they can to give Luca the chance to live a long, healthy life.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As parents, we never expected to hear the words, ‘Your child has cancer,'” Warren Goliath, Luca’s father, shared. It was in June 2024 when the devastating diagnosis was confirmed, but the warning signs appeared months earlier. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“About four months before her diagnosis, we noticed her abdomen was distended and firm. Her energy levels dropped; she wasn’t walking or crawling and she didn’t seem to keep up with her twin sister.” After several consultations, tests, and scans, the family received the devastating news of Luca’s condition.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since that diagnosis, Luca has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy, facing setbacks along the way. “At the start of her journey, she was very ill. There were moments we thought she might not make it,” Warren said. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her treatment has included infections, surgical complications, and repeated hospital stays. Despite these obstacles, Luca showed glimmers of recovery, regaining her energy and even learning to walk again. However, the tumour’s limited response to chemotherapy meant that doctors had to deliver another devastating blow to the family – Luca would need a liver transplant to survive.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luca’s parents were initially considered as potential live donors, but unfortunately, neither met the strict health criteria. Now the family is racing against time to find a suitable donor. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The donor evaluation process is detailed and rigorous,” Warren explained. “It starts with an application reviewed by the transplant coordinator and surgeon. Donors must meet criteria such as blood matching, good health, and being able to take six weeks for recovery.” Despite many friends and family members stepping forward, no match has yet been found.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A transplant is Luca’s only chance for survival. Without it, the tumour will have more time to grow or spread, potentially ruling out surgery altogether. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The tumour is growing around major veins behind the liver, making it inoperable without significant risks. A liver transplant is her only cure,” Warren emphasised. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the procedure carries risks, such as potential organ rejection and infections, it also offers the hope of a cancer-free life.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey has taken a toll on the entire family. Luca is the youngest of four children, with a twin sister, a four-year-old sister, and a nine-year-old brother. “We tried to keep things as normal as possible for our other children while managing Luca’s care, but it’s been tough,” Warren said. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There were nights when we came home to an empty house because the siblings stayed with family or friends. We had to take turns being with Luca in the hospital.” \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical aid has covered some of Luca’s treatment costs, but the expenses associated with a liver transplant – including pre-surgical assessments, surgery, recovery, and extended stays in Johannesburg – are financially overwhelming. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A liver transplant was the last thing we expected, and the costs involved can have lifelong effects on our finances,” Warren revealed. Despite the difficulties, the family remains determined in their commitment to securing the best care for their daughter.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Goliath family counts themselves fortunate to have a strong support system. “Family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers have been incredible,” Warren said. “Friends and family help care for Luca’s siblings when we’re in the hospital, and their teachers keep a close watch on them at school.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help with the financial burden, the family launched a BackaBuddy campaign and has been receiving assistance from organisations like Wings & Wishes, which arranged their travel to and from Johannesburg, and CHOC Saxonwold, which hosted them during their stays. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“These organisations are run by people who truly love and care for children,” Warren said gratefully. Additional fundraising events are being organised by family and friends, with updates posted on Luca’s Facebook page, Luca: The Liver Cancer Warrior.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day brings fresh challenges, but also moments of joy and hope. “Daily I sit and watch Luca playing, singing, dancing, laughing, and enjoying life. When you look at her, it’s hard to believe how sick she is,” Warren said. “Her resilience is a testament to God’s grace and mercy. This journey has taught us to appreciate the small things in life.” The family is determined to give Luca the future she deserves, and they invite the community to join their fight. Contributions can be made through their BackaBuddy campaign or directly into Luca’s bank account. “Every little bit helps, and we’re so grateful for the support,” Warren added.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, the Goliaths remain focused on their plan for life after the transplant, holding onto the hope that soon Luca will not only overcome this battle but also thrive again as the lively, joyful child they know so well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Two-year-old, Luca Goliath was diagnosed with Pretext IV Hepatoblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood liver cancer. Her family calling on the community to help where they can.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Two-year-old Luca Goliath battles aggressive liver cancer, requiring a life-saving transplant. 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