Layton Geanokopoulos, a teen courageously facing stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma, got to ride the waves of the Mossel Bay coastline and meet the mighty Springboks when Warrior Kids Wishes granted him an epic adventure, captured beautifully in an inspiring documentary.
Mossel Bay, South Africa (05 November 2025) – At just sixteen years old, Layton Geanokopoulos found himself facing a battle no teenager should ever have to fight. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a whirlwind of hospital visits, test results, and life-changing news – a stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma diagnosis.
For Layton and his family, everything changed in a moment. Just a few weeks before the diagnosis, he was an active, bright young man with a future full of dreams.
Then, a simple knee ultrasound revealed a growth that would lead to a series of heartbreaking discoveries. An MRI confirmed what doctors feared, and soon Layton was sitting across from an oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, hearing the words that no young man at the age of 16 wants to hear.
The scans showed multiple tumours, a large one in his leg, another in his lung, and more in his liver and stomach lining.
Doctors have designed an intensive treatment plan that includes months of chemotherapy, major surgeries, and radiation.
Moved by Layton’s story and unwavering bravery, Warrior Kids Wishes – a non-profit organisation dedicated to granting the wishes of children aged 5 to 17 who are facing life-threatening illnesses – contacted his family to explore how they could bring a moment of joy and light to Layton’s journey.
Warrior Kids Wishes’ Marketing and Communications Manager, Tanya Pieterse, shared that through this effort, the organisation also wanted to provide the Geanokopoulos with an opportunity to focus on something uplifting amidst the daily challenges they are courageously navigating.
“Studies show that having a wish fulfilled can help children gain the physical and emotional strength needed to face serious health challenges, supporting better overall outcomes,” Tanya said.
Warrior Kids Wishes also offers a vital source of hope and positivity, helping children maintain a courageous and optimistic mindset during an incredibly difficult time.
Thanks to the generous donations received, both in the form of monetary support and service contributions, the charity was able to fly the Geanokopoulos family to Mossel Bay to enjoy a surfing adventure, a visit to the aquarium, experience the thrill of riding in a Lamborghini and meet their Springbok rugby heroes!
Equally as special, all Layton’s wishes come true, unforgettable moments and powerful journey were captured in Warrior Kids Wishes’ first documentary.
“This is our very first documentary, and we hope it will be the first of many, shining a light of joy, hope, and comfort for families navigating the unimaginable challenges of watching their children battle life-threatening illnesses,” Tanya shares.
Layton’s inspiring journey is available to view on YouTube.
Sources: Supplied
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