OUR LOCAL HEROES: Nose tumour tot flown to Cape Town

Touched by the plight of the six-month-old Duncan Village boy disfigured by a tumour on his nose, East London business owner Brenda Njikelana Dim paid to fly him and his mom to Cape Town to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Awonke Krisjan and his mother Zintle yesterday flew to Cape Town where Awonke underwent medical assessments.

Earlier this month the Daily Dispatch reported that Awonke suffered from bulbous haemangioma on his nose.

The tumour is growing daily and has become so large it obstructs his vision.

Department of health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said Awonke was born with capillary haemangioma on the nose and a heart murmur.

Njikelana Dim said when she saw Awonke’s picture in the [paper she was immediately touched by his plight and wanted to help.

“Being a mother I could not help but think what if that was my child. I showed my husband the article and he agreed that we needed to help.”

The Adalwa Trading business owner, a company which specialises in protective gear, has two children of her own. She has also opened her home to a young mother and her two children, whom she cares for.

“After reading the article I managed to get the mother’s contact details and I bought her airtime and told her to call me whenever she needed assistance and to keep me updated on Awonke.

“When she called me and told me they were going to see a dermatologist in the Western Cape for further expert advice and will be travelling in a minibus taxi I offered to fly them,” she said.

Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday afternoon, Krisjan said they were settled in the hospital ward and Awonke was waiting to be seen by the doctor.

“I am very grateful to Brenda for what she has done for us. I would love to meet her one day and thank her in person.

“Because of her our trip was comfortable and easy,” said Krisjan, adding that she was unsure when they would return to East London.