When Kegan was just a baby, his family were told that he wouldn’t make it two years old. He had been diagnosed with Yolk Sac Tumour cancer, after all. But Kegan did make it to two. And six. And as of recently, seventeen! He was Cupcakes of Hope’s first patient. And to this day, he is still the reason the team know that the odds can be overcome:
South Africa (04 November 2024) — Teenager Kegan has a nickname. ‘Superman Kegan’. It’s not just catchy; it’s quite true. Like the famed comic hero, Kegan defied the odds. And, like the character, he continues to offer a reason to believe in the things we can’t always explain.
When Kegan was only 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Yolk Sac Tumour cancer. Two things happened after that: his family were told he wouldn’t make it two years old, and the Cupcakes of Hope NPO took him on as their very first patient.
As it turned out, Kegan did make it to two. And six. And as of this weekend, seventeen!
For Cupcakes of Hope, Kegan is a reminder that miracles can and do happen.
Though the journey to seventeen has not been simple, or easy, or fair, it’s a journey that comes with an extra dose of gratitude because it was not promised.
Kegan’s mom, Krystle explained how the NPO had supported Kegan over the years. From their first areas of assistance with matter like a medical mattress and a car chair, to nappies in the early years and money to transport him to hospital, the NPO, though they were very new in the late 2000s, had shown their dedication and made a difference worth a lifetime in the process.
“Over the years Cupcakes of Hope were always there to assist Kegan with his needs,” said Krystle. “They also made it possible that Kegan could have birthday parties every year and also made sure he received presents.”
For his 11th birthday, the team helped Kegan enjoy his first plane flight (he is paralysed from the waist-down) and made it one of the most special days ever.
Superman Kegan was the first of many stories of strength and endurance to come for Cupcakes of Hope.
Today, they are a huge source of support for childhood cancer fighters all over the country, and as of last month raised a whopping R2,326,347 million from National Cupcake Day—funds which will be used to provide as much support as possible to kids who need superheroes in their corners.
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