02-06-2025
Local man fights rare cancer with hope and strength
Gregory Morgan from Kibler Park is facing the biggest challenge of his life after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Morgan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on February 28, 2022, at the Milpark Hospital. Now, he is asking for community support to help cover the high costs of life-saving treatment.
A sudden turn
'Morgan's journey began in January 2022 when admitted to Mulbarton Hospital with a chest infection. During his stay, he contracted the Pseudomonas virus, a serious bacterial infection. Though treated and discharged, he soon returned with the same infection.
During his stay, he picked up the pseudomonas virus, a serious bacterial infection. Although treated and discharged, he soon found himself back in the hospital with the same infection.
'I had a biopsy done on my lungs to check for cancer, but thankfully, it came back negative,' said Morgan.
'I was put on antibiotics and discharged again, but just a week later, I was back in the hospital.'
On February 19, 2022, he was admitted to the Milpark Hospital in critical condition.
'I became extremely sick. My C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 591, so I was put in the ICU for nearly three weeks,' he said.
Under the care of Dr PG Williams, further investigations revealed a possible diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. An oncologist later confirmed this after a bone marrow biopsy.
Morgan began chemotherapy shortly afterwards and in April 2023, was approved for an autologous stem cell transplant.
'It works by using your healthy stem cells and is a 100% match. I didn't require a donor,' he explained.
The first step involved harvesting his healthy stem cells, followed by a high-dose chemotherapy regimen to eliminate cancer cells. The stem cells were then re-infused, allowing them to migrate back into his bone marrow.
Thereafter, his good stem cells were re-infused and migrated into his bone marrow.
'This was an unpleasant experience, but it also gave me hope for my recovery. After my transplant, I needed to continue with oral chemotherapy treatment for almost three years.'
Unfortunately, in October last year, he suffered a relapse.
Morgan was given stronger oral chemotherapy drugs and monitored by his oncologist monthly. At this time, he also suffered from severe back and nerve pain and had to have a spinal fusion, but couldn't while on chemotherapy.
'January this year, my cancer cells continued to increase. My oncologist advised me that I needed to start with a combination of even stronger chemotherapy. This devastating news again emotionally affected me. My chemo drugs were stopped for almost two months so I could have my spinal fusion procedure done on March 4,' explained Morgan.
The fight begins
He is now undergoing a new round of intense treatment, a combination of Ninlarb, Lenalidomide, and Neofordex, which he started in March. These medications are necessary to control cancer but come with a steep price.
'The cost of my current treatment is almost R50 000 monthly. My medical aid doesn't cover everything, and once the oncology benefit runs out, I have to pay the rest out of pocket,' he explained.
His oncologist advised him that this treatment would be long-term, two to three years, with bone marrow biopsies every six months.
Hope beyond donations
Despite the hardships, Morgan remains hopeful and deeply motivated by his love for his family.
'What keeps me going is the hope of spending more time with my grandchildren. It's not just about me; it's about giving myself the best shot at life.'
In a heartfelt plea, Morgan said he has always tried to be strong and handle things alone, but this diagnosis forced him to ask for help.
'The weight, physically, emotionally, and financially, became too heavy to carry by myself,' he said.
'Asking for help hasn't been easy, but it's necessary. If people in the community respond to my appeal, it would mean more than just financial help; it would mean hope,' emphasised Morgan.
He wants to remind others facing battles that they are not alone.
'To anyone in a difficult season, I want to say: There is hope. You might feel like the weight is too heavy but know there is light on the other side. Hold onto hope with both hands.'
As he continues his fight against cancer and with his faith in God and prayer, Morgan is making a heartfelt appeal to the public.
'I am personally asking for help,' he said.
'Your donation, no matter how small, can help me cover these costs and continue my fight against cancer.'
With the support of the community, he hopes to alleviate the financial pressure so he can focus on his recovery and spend time with his loved ones.
'Your support would mean the world to me. If you're able to donate or even share my story, you'll be making a real difference in my life,' Morgan added.
'It's not just about the money. It's about giving me the strength to keep going and the chance to live a fulfilling life again.'
Those wanting to support Morgan can visit his fundraising page or make a direct donation to:
Discovery Bank;
GN Morgan;
Account No: 1832 7837 521;
He is also running a Father's Day raffle, with prizes sponsored by Detailease. The details are on his Facebook and TikTok pages.
Every act of kindness brings Morgan one step closer to hope and healing.
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