Statement by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille
Mayor De Lille visits Junaid Arendse to wish him well for his
operation
Earlier this year, we heard the heart-breaking story of Junaid Arendse, age six,
who had been given only a few months to live after he was diagnosed with
stage four neuroblastoma cancer.
I was delighted to hear that this energetic, joyful child has made a miraculous
recovery, with the cancer being cleared from most of his body.
When I met him earlier this year, I immediately recognised his wonderful spirit
and that he was a fighter.
As a cancer survivor, I know that it is Junaid's resilient, bubbly personality
which has stood him in good stead on this journey.
Despite facing a life-threatening situation, Junaid and his family have held up
their resolve to see them through this challenging time.
Today, 17 November 2015, I visited him at the Red Cross War Memorial
Children's Hospital and was once again moved by Junaid's infectious smile
and energy.
I would like to wish him all the best for his operation tomorrow. My thoughts
and prayers are with him and his family.
I would also like to once again thank all of the good people of Cape Town
who have contributed towards his cause and ask that they continue to keep
Junaid in their prayers as well as all our other children battling diseases.
In times like these we need to remember the many children facing dreaded
diseases and that we can all extend a hand or gesture to support them in
these trying times.
On behalf of the City of Cape Town, all the best for tomorrow Junaid, we are
thinking about you.
Keep smiling.