Through the brutal cycles of chemotherapy, hair loss, and painful side effects of childhood cancer, Xichavo clung fiercely to hope, and he’s encouraging other warriors to do the same.
South Africa (17 October 2025) – For many children, becoming ill and receiving a serious diagnosis, such as cancer, can lead to confusion and fear as they are unexpectedly thrust into a new world of doctor’s appointments and hospital stays.
At the age of 16, Xichavo Mangani was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of muscle cancer. He reflects on that time as one filled with fear and uncertainty, particularly when he had to leave his siblings to stay at one of the CHOC Houses for treatment.
However, the fear didn’t last. Once at the CHOC House, Xichavo discovered a vital community. Finding solidarity with other young patients, he realised he wasn’t alone.
According to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, Xichavo made friends with others who were on the same journey.
“When I met a 10-year-old who is now a survivor, I told myself, if they can do it, so can I,” he recalls.
Through every round of chemo, every day of hair loss and every painful side effect, Xichavo never let go of hope, not just for himself, but for his younger siblings, who were the reason he refused to give up.
“CHOC supported my family when I couldn’t. They explained everything to my siblings that I was sick, but I was not giving up.”
Fast forward several years, today, Xichavo is a proud cancer survivor completing his N6 in Business Management. He has also been accepted at UNISA, where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree.
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And he is a living testimony of this bold statement, inspiring countless other young warriors to courageously face their personal battles.
Sources: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA
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