Cape Town - A prayer has been answered for a 3-year-old boy and his family after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer five months ago, when he was able to ring the oncology bell at Tygerberg Hospital.
In December, Cody-Lee Africa’s family said they were praying for a miracle after a lump that was detected in his body in October 2024 became a parent’s worst nightmare.
Cody-Lee has been fighting Burkitt lymphoma, which is a cancer that develops in the lymph nodes (glands) or lymphoid tissue, and may be strongly associated with certain viral infections, immunodeficiency, or syndromes. It is the third most common cancer of the glands in children but may also occur in adults.
Doctors previously described the cancer as being aggressive and that the tumour could double in size within 18 to 24 hours.
The process of “fighting the cancer” was an intensive six months of chemotherapy.
An emotional moment was experienced when Cody-Lee was able to ring the bell last week. Laticia Pienaar of Tygerberg Hospital said Cody-Lee would continue his road to healing.
“Last week young Cody-Lee rang the bell in the Paediatric Oncology Ward, signifying the completion of his chemotherapy for Burkitt lymphoma.
While this means he no longer requires chemotherapy, he will start his survivorship care at our long-term follow-up clinic,” she said.
Cody-Lee’s mother, Leticia Peters, said it was like Christmas morning for the toddler, who experienced the greatest gift - that of life and having to enjoy some of his favourite foods, the day after he rang the bell.
“Cody woke up with a smile on his face today,” she said.
“He got his last chemotherapy last Wednesday and on Thursday Dr Anel van Zyl explained that he is in remission.
“When I told him he is done with drips and that he wont have to come to hospital again ,he was just smiling and saying I love you as if Mommy was the cause of the good news (my heart melted).”