10/10/2026
ποΈ SHUMEEZ'S FIGHT: JUST ONE DAY AFTER HER 15TH BIRTHDAY, HER WORLD CHANGED FOREVER π
A birthday that should have been filled with laughter, happiness and beautiful memories became the beginning of a heartbreaking battle no child should ever have to face.
Meet Shumeez Philander, a courageous 15-year-old girl from Hanover Park, Cape Town, whose life has been turned upside down by a devastating cancer diagnosis.
On Friday, 18 September 2026, Shumeez celebrated her 15th birthday. Just one day later, her family received news that would change their lives forever.
Shumeez had cancer. π
But her journey began weeks earlier.
At the beginning of August, Shumeez developed a persistent cough, night sweats, vomiting and unbearable itching. What initially appeared to be flu symptoms continued despite medication.
On 27 August, her mother, Fazlin, rushed her to Red Cross Children's Hospital after Shumeez began experiencing chest pains and struggled to sleep because of her constant coughing.
Doctors initially diagnosed pneumonia and prescribed two weeks of antibiotics.
But Shumeez wasn't getting better.π’
Her breathing became increasingly difficult, and on 11 September, her worried mother rushed her back to hospital.
This time, doctors performed numerous investigations and had to drain fluid from her lungs.
Then came the devastating diagnosis.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma β an aggressive form of cancer that develops in the chest.
For Fazlin, the news was almost impossible to process.
"I actually don't know how I feel. These past few weeks have been so overwhelming."
Yet, through her heartbreak, this mother continues to draw strength from her faith, holding onto hope for her precious daughter.
π A MOTHER'S STRUGGLE BEHIND THE SCENES
While Shumeez fights cancer, her mother is fighting a battle of her own.
Sixteen years ago, Fazlin was involved in a serious accident that fractured her pelvis. Living with the lasting effects of her injuries and arthritis, she was forced to give up her employment as a machinist.
Determined to provide for her family despite her disability, she eventually began sewing from home.
That sewing work became her lifeline. Her only source of income.
But for the past two months, as Shumeez's health deteriorated, Fazlin has been unable to continue working.
Her daughter's care, hospital visits and treatment now demand her attention.
And like so many parents of children battling cancer, Fazlin finds herself facing an impossible reality.
How do you earn a living when your child needs you by her side?
How do you worry about putting food on the table when your greatest fear is losing the child sitting beside you?
No mother should have to choose between caring for her sick child and keeping her household afloat.
ποΈ THE BRAVERY OF A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Shumeez received her first chemotherapy treatment on 22 September 2026 and is scheduled to undergo six chemotherapy sessions, approximately three weeks apart. Her next treatment is planned for 13 October.
But something extraordinary has happened during this heartbreaking journey.
According to her mother, Shumeez has always been a quiet, introverted young girl.
Yet since her diagnosis, she has discovered a courage that has left her entire family in awe.
When losing her hair became frustrating, Shumeez made the brave decision to shave her head herself.
And instead of allowing fear to silence her, this remarkable young girl has become the very person encouraging and uplifting her family.
Imagine that.
A 15-year-old child facing chemotherapy, uncertainty and a life-threatening illness, yet somehow finding the strength to comfort the very people who are terrified of losing her.
Her mother describes this transformation as nothing short of amazing.
Shumeez may have lost her hair, but she has certainly not lost her courage, her spirit or her will to fight. β€οΈ
β€οΈ WE ARE CALLING ON OUR COMMUNITY TO STAND WITH SHUMEEZ
At Kids-Can Cancer Foundation, we believe that no child should fight cancer alone, and no parent should have to carry the financial burden of childhood cancer without support.
Our mission has always been deeply personal. We walk alongside our little fighters and their families through every stage of their journey, providing practical, emotional and financial support wherever possible.
Today, we are asking our community to help us ease the burden on Fazlin so that she can focus on what matters most β being a mother to Shumeez during the fight of her life.
Funds raised through this campaign will help support the family with essential needs, including:
- Groceries and nutritional support.
- Transport and travelling expenses for hospital visits and treatment.
- Electricity and essential household expenses.
- Everyday living costs while Fazlin is unable to earn her usual sewing income.
- Other urgent needs arising during Shumeez's treatment and recovery.
Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.
π PLEASE HELP US GIVE THIS MOTHER ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/shumeez-fight-for-her-life
Shumeez should be worrying about school, friendships, birthdays and all the beautiful experiences that come with being 15.
Instead, she is preparing for another round of chemotherapy.
And her mother, who has already endured so much physically, is doing everything she can to remain strong for her daughter.
We cannot take away Shumeez's cancer. We cannot promise what tomorrow will bring.
But together, we can make sure this mother and daughter do not have to face this journey alone.
Please consider donating to Shumeez's campaign, and if you are unable to contribute financially, we ask you to share her story far and wide.
Because sometimes, one share reaches the right person. One act of kindness opens a door. And one compassionate community can change a family's entire journey.
Shumeez, your courage has already inspired us. Now it's our turn to stand up for you. β€οΈποΈ
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Kids-Can Cancer Foundation
