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Update on Little Warrior Zelnay – Leukemia Relapse

zelnay liebenberg

Update 12 May 2025:

Zelnay’s parents met with her oncologist this morning. Sadly, her cancer cell count has increased.

The doctor has taken into account that, for two weeks following her previous bone marrow tests, Zelnay did not receive chemotherapy. As a result, the medical team now needs to wait for the outcome of her next bone marrow test to better assess her response to treatment. These results will indicate whether the current, stronger chemotherapy is effective, or if her small body is showing resistance.

In the meantime, doctors have decided to continue chemotherapy without interruption to prevent any further increase in cancer cells. Zelnay restarted treatment today and is currently receiving two bags of chemotherapy, which will continue until Saturday.

At present, Zelnay is very weak. She has developed nosebleeds and will be receiving platelet support today. Her medical team will be monitoring her closely, including testing her kidney function every second day to ensure there is no damage from the treatment. She is also battling a lung infection and is on strong antibiotics, as well as experiencing painful mouth sores.

For now, the next bone marrow test is critical in determining the way forward.

The ultimate goal remains for Zelnay to receive immunotherapy to bring her into full remission, as a bone marrow transplant cannot proceed unless remission is achieved. She requires four cycles of immunotherapy, at a cost of R515 878.00 per cycle.

We humbly appeal to the community to support Zelnay in accessing this life-saving treatment. The financial burden is overwhelming for any family, and every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Please keep Zelnay and her parents in your prayers. We believe in the power of prayer and the strength of community. Kindly share her story with your friends, family, and networks far and wide.

Please share this post with your family and friends and help us spread the word far and wide. Let’s come together and give Zelnay the fighting chance she deserves.

For donations, please use the banking details below.
Account Holder: Arms of Mercy NPC
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Type: Cheque Account
Account Number: 10114699702
Branch Code: 051001
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
REF: ZELNAY

We have also launched a heartfelt bracelet project to help raise funds for her ongoing medical expenses to further support her journey. Click here to view Zelnay’s special bracelets – or browse our “nominate beneficiary” category in the online store. You can nominate Zelnay when buying any of the bracelets in this selection and we’ll allocate all proceeds to her Fund.

Thank you for standing with Zelnay.

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Zelnay Liebenberg: R3 Million Fight for Her Life After Relapse

zelnay liebenberg relapse

This brave little girl has already endured so much, and yet her journey has taken another heartbreaking turn. Despite everything, she continues to fight with courage far beyond her years.

At this stage, her only remaining hope is a bone marrow transplant together with immunotherapy treatment that could save her life, but comes at a devastating cost of R3 million.

Behind this fight stands a family whose hearts are breaking. Her parents are carrying a weight no parent should ever have to bear, and the emotional toll has been overwhelming.

We ask you not only to lift Zelnay up in prayer but to also pray for her parents.
For strength when they feel weak.
For peace in the midst of fear.
For comfort in moments of deep uncertainty.

Today, we are asking you to stand with this family.
To share Zelnay’s story.
To give, if you are able.
To keep them covered in prayer.

If any of our community members would like to get involved in a fundraising event for Zelnay, please Whatsapp Karin Harmse on 076 463 0821. 

Every act of kindness, no matter how small brings her closer to the treatment she so urgently needs.

Let’s come together and give this precious child a chance to live, to grow, and to dream again.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

ANY AND ALL DONATION WELCOME
Arms of Mercy NPC
Standard Bank
Cheque Account
Account Number: 10114699702
Branch Code: 051001
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
REF: ZELNAY

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Standing with Zelnay: Rallying Support for a Young Leukemia Warrior

An 8-year-old girl named Zelnay Liebenberg from Brakpan, Gauteng, is facing a difficult battle. At the end of April, Zelnay received a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was placed in the high-risk group. This diagnosis has meant frequent hospital admissions and strong chemotherapy treatments, taking an immense physical and emotional toll on this brave little girl.

Zelnay’s health struggles began in late March 2025 when she started feeling unwell. Her parents initially took her to a doctor who suspected iron deficiency and inflammatory arthritis, prescribing pain medication. However, Zelnay’s symptoms – terrible leg pain and a sore stomach – persisted. After more tests, a lumbar puncture, and a bone marrow test, the family received the devastating news on the 1st of May, that Zelnay had leukemia. She was admitted to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital two days later to begin her fight.

Since then, she has undergone numerous procedures. To make the process easier and spare her from daily needle pricks, Zelnay recently received a port. The treatment has been difficult, causing severe nausea and vomiting, but throughout it all, she remains incredibly brave. Her family describes her as a bright, kind-hearted girl with a precious personality and a smile that can light up any room.

The Financial Strain of a Critical Illness

Zelnay’s medical journey has placed a significant financial burden on her family. Without medical aid, they are shouldering the costs of her extensive care. A bill from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has already reached almost R20,000 since her diagnosis, adding immense stress to an already difficult time. Her parents have also had to take unpaid leave and cover the costs of transportation to and from the hospital for her treatments.

How You Can Help

The family is reaching out with heavy hearts but hopeful spirits, asking for support from their community. They believe that with the help of others, they can ease the financial burden and allow Zelnay to focus on what matters most: her health and recovery.

If Zelnay’s story has touched your heart, please consider making a donation today to help ensure she receives the continuous care she needs. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in her life and bring hope and relief to a family in desperate need. The goal is to raise funds to help cover her ongoing medical expenses (treatments, specialist care, other special needs). We have also launched a heartfelt bracelet project to help raise funds for her ongoing medical expenses to further support her journey.

Make a Donation
Account Holder: Arms of Mercy NPC
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Type: Cheque Account
Account Number: 10114699702
Branch Code: 051001
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
REF: ZELNAY LIEBENBERG

Alternatively, make a donation online with Payfast.