Warrior Teenager (17) with an extremely rare cancer condition faces overwhelming medical bills

Reece Trumpelmann (17), a teenager from Bapsfontein, Gauteng, that has the courage of a lion, was diagnosed with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, an extremely rare cancer condition in 2016.

Picture above: Reece Trumpelmann

After bumping his jaw while playing on a jumping castle, Reece was taken to hospital, and after a number of tests and X-rays at Steve Biko Hospital, Reece’s parents Marsha Trumpelmann (43) and Bjorn Trumpelmann (46) were informed that their son had an autosomal dominant inherited disorder which is virtually unknown in South Africa.

Reece’s mom, Marsha describes her son’s harrowing medical journey.

Our son has had over 40 removed and lost 16 teeth, he has had multiple bone grafts as well as multiple basal cell carcinomas, Extensive Calcification of the flax celebri, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Bifid rib, Major sinus issues, Deviated Septum, Endocrine system problems, Heart problems (fibroma), GERD stage 4, Palmer and Planter pits, Hydrochephylys, Glaucoma, and Sleep apnea.

His current specialists are Pediatric oncologist, Geneticist, Maxilofacial surgeon, Neuro Surgeon, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist, Specialised Dentistry, ENT, and Plastic Surgeon.” says Marsha

Reece is currently being treated at Arwyp, Linmead, Wilgers, Glynwood, Midstream and so many other different hospitals by specialists to help give him the best care and comfort. 

“We have finally after a long road found a magnificent team that truly has Reece in their best interests. I am so grateful. Reece needs so many things, tests and procedures done at the moment, and because of the finances, I just cannot do it. Our medical aid runs out in February already; as you can imagine, the bills are huge. Some things are not covered at all.” 

Picture above: Reece with his father Bjorn, mother Marsha and sister Savannah (21). 

Managing Reece’s chronic illness has placed tremendous financial strain on the family, who are faced with constant mounting medical bills.

To help cover Reece’s co-payments on his top-tier medical aid, the family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with the support of a non-profit organisation, Arms of Mercy,  to ensure Reece gets the treatment he needs.

Currently, Reece’s fundraising target stands at R200 000.

“I will never ever give up fighting for this warrior. He has been to hell and back. He has had more operations than I can remember since he was diagnosed.” – says Marsha.

Since last November, Reece has had an unsuccessful major jaw and sinuses reconstruction surgery. He has had over 50 tumours removed and recently came out of ICU and high care after having another major surgery.

Support Reece by making a donation on BackaBuddy:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/fundraising-for-reece-trumpelmann-gorl

Alternatively, make a donation on Snapscan:

https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/ReeceTrumpelmann