Generous comedians stand up for Junaid
FOUR of the country’s top comedians will put on a show to raise funds for Junaid Arendse, a Mitchells Plain boy in need of special treatment for cancer.
Five-year-old Junaid has stage four neuroblastoma, a type of cancer created from immature nerve cells which can originate anywhere in the body.
And while he underwent 16 sessions of chemotherapy at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital since the cancer was diagnosed in May last year, the treatment he had received was no longer sufficient.
The family had begun fundraising for topotecan, an expensive medication not available at any local public hospital. The initial four-trial sessions will cost R19 000, the family said.
Thanks to donations from generous Cape Times readers, friends and supporters, R50 000 has been raised so far for Junaid’s treatment, which he starts next week.
Following the Cape Times report, comedians Kurt Schoonraad, Marc Lottering, Stuart Taylor and Nik Rabinowitz have decided to put on a show in aid of Junaid.
Their special show, Stand Up For Junaid, will be held on Monday at the Cape Town Comedy Club at the V&A Waterfront.
“We all have kids about the same age (as Junaid). My son is the same age. It is easily plausible that this could happen to any one of us. It is scary as hell,” Schoonraad said.
He added that the comedians had not been on the same bill in about 15 years.
“It will be a great night, with arguably some of the best comedians in the country. But they’re just boys with big hearts,” he said.
The venue could accommodate at least 180 people, and there was already great interest from people who want to see the show, as well as people who could not be there but wanted to donate money, Schoonraad said.
Junaid’s grandfather and legal guardian, Leonard Arendse, said: “We are overwhelmed. We come from a common family and area. I’m working night shift that night, but we will all try to be there (at the show).”
He said a local group of car enthusiasts visited Junaid at his aunt’s home this week and offered him a ride in a Ferrari, a dream for the young boy.
“He is in love with cars, so he lit up. They also gave him a Ferrari (toy) car. He was so excited about that, no one can touch it,” Arendse said.
Meanwhile, the family has to follow strict rules to prevent Junaid from picking up any infection and to ensure he stays as healthy as possible before the special treatment, which starts next week.
“We don’t know what kind of reaction his body will have or what kind of condition he will be in,” Arendse said.
He said regular checks would be done to monitor the results.
Tickets for Stand Up For Junaid cost R250 and are available at Computicket or Shoprite Checkers.