Two years ago, 11-year-old Jaime Rose Whitesman was a happy, active child, living in Cape Town and devoted to things she enjoyed doing, such as dancing, cooking and art. Then she started getting terrible headaches. Her mother Martine, a boutique owner in Cape Town, took her to several GPs, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and even mind and body healers – all with no success. Jaime’s headaches got worse, making her nauseous and extremely tired, and eventually affecting her school attendance and her performance in extramural activities.
In May 2014, the family consulted a paediatrician who sent Jaime for an MRI scan. The results were shocking: Jaime had medulloblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour that occurs mostly in children. After eight hours of surgery, six weeks of radiation and a seven-month chemotherapy programme, she was finally confirmed to be in remission in early 2015. But last December, she relapsed with a diffuse medulloblastoma – the cancer had spread over a wider area of her brain. Treatment was possible, but only to a limited degree in South Africa. The only solution to be found was for the family to relocate temporarily and to settle in Vienna, Austria.
There have been all sorts of incredible drives to support Jaime and to contribute to the cost of her treatment and the Red Cross Hospital, which played a pivotal role in Jaime’s journey thus far. These drives include one that you can be a part of too: French jewellery brand Gas Bijoux – whose Boho-chic designs are worn by the likes of Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira – has launched a limited edition set of bracelets called the Courage Collection, all inspired by Jaime. Learn more here as Jaime’s mom, Martine, shares the story of this jewellery collection with heart.
How did the collaboration with Gas Bijoux jewellery come about?
A close family friend approached Gas Bijoux about helping to raise money for Jaime’s treatment, which is extremely expensive and not covered by medical aid. Part of the agreement was to choose another beneficiary who would receive 10% of the funds raised, so we chose the Red Cross Hospital as their oncology department and the amazing doctors there have a very special place in our hearts. It was there that we were first helped on Jaime’s journey with this disease.
How has Jaime been dealing with all the changes since she was first diagnosed?
When we decided to relocate to Austria, it was because the General Hospital of Vienna is the medical institution best suited to dealing with this type of brain cancer and has a specialised paediatric neuro-oncology department that is doing cutting-edge work on this type of tumour. Jaime has already missed two years of schooling but has managed to keep up to date with her curriculum. Her school, Herzlia Weizmann, has been incredibly supportive and she is now able to attend class via Skype. She loves a good challenge and continues to do the best she can, balancing her homework and treatments.
Tell us about the Gas Bijoux Courage Collection.
The collection comprises three limited edition bracelets, each inscribed with a word: Inspire, Courage or Love. Bracelets cost R450 each and can be bought from Camps Bay’s
For more on Jaime’s journey, find her on Facebook.
