Community rallies for Panorama Primary pupil battling rare cancer

The Panorama Primary School community is rallying behind a 12-year-old pupil battling a rare cancer.

Chanterie van Rensburg was recently diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer and needs help to fund her treatment.

Her school and neighbours have since initiated various fundraising campaigns to support Chanterie and her family. 

Chanterie is the head girl at Panorama Primary School and was actively involved in sports and culture until her diagnosis earlier this month.

Her father, Divan, said she is a natural leader with a keen interest in the well-being of her peers.

“She’s bright and positive and a caring child who always gives her best. She loves school, her friends and her teachers, and truly thrives in that environment,” he said. 

Divan and Clarissa van Rensburg said they were devastated when the doctor broke the news about their child's condition, but they are not losing hope.

Her father explained that it all started when the 12-year-old began experiencing serious back pain a few weeks ago. 

“After urgent medical tests and an MRI scan she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. It was an overwhelming and emotional moment for us as the parents. Since then she has undergone a successful four-hour-long back surgery and started chemotherapy.”

Since Chanterie's diagnosis, her school and community have set up various fundraising initiatives, including a Back-a-Buddy page called ‘Let’s fight this gogga for Chanterie’, to help with her treatment.