At just five years old, little Liam Fagan has bravely fought the daunting battle against cancer and is today leading a normal life.
Despite a positive outcome, the young boy still has to attend a paediatric oncology follow-up clinic every two months.
The Western Cape Health Department highlighted Liam’s journey as part of a global initiative using the month of September to raise awareness about childhood cancer and supporting families impacted by it.
Liam, from Bellville South, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (blood cancer) in March 2022. He presented with unremitting fever, pallor, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Reflecting on the moment she learned her son had cancer, mom Desiree Fagan said: “Liam was taken to the private doctor twice, but the antibiotics prescribed didn’t help him.
“The doctor also couldn’t tell us what was wrong with Liam. Then we took him to the dentist because his teeth and mouth were affected.
They recommended we take him to Tygerberg Hospital’s paediatricians. I wanted to faint when the doctor told me that she wanted to make sure what type of cancer Liam (then two years old) had.”
Following his diagnosis, Liam received intensive chemotherapy but did not respond adequately.
To save the boy’s life, Tygerberg Hospital paediatric oncologist Dr Anel van Zyl and her team needed to intensify his treatment.
“He was prepared for a stem cell transplant (previously known as a bone marrow transplant). While receiving chemotherapy, Liam suffered a serious bacterial infection due to his suppressed immune system and needed surgery and a colostomy bag.
“Eventually, after intensive supportive care, he fully recovered from this infection,” said Van Zyl.
The stem cell transplant was done at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in April 2023.
Liam’s sister, Payton, was his donor. Liam recovered very well after the transplant.
Fagan expressed her gratitude to all health-care workers who saved her son’s life at Tygerberg Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, saying that she was grateful to everyone who supported their family through the difficult journey.
Tygerberg Hospital spokesperson Laticia Pienaar said the hospital, in collaboration with its various partners, plays an instrumental role in advancing early diagnosis, treatment and research of childhood cancer.
“The hospital’s efforts focus on the holistic care of children with cancer, improving survival rates, and following survivors long term after treatment completion. In 2023, Tygerberg Hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Unit had seen more than 1 000 inpatients and 2 307 outpatients.”
Cape Times