Facing an ongoing battle with severe keloids, Gordon’s Bay resident Keanou Rasool has launched a crowdfunding campaign and is reaching out to the community with hope that compassionate hearts will join him on his journey toward healing and help make his dream of further life-changing medical treatment a reality.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette previously highlighted the 30-year-old’s courageous battle with the severe skin condition, which causes tissue to grow excessively, forming abnormally-thick protrusions across his body (“Keanou needs help,” 15 May). Rasool humbly appealed to the community for financial support before undergoing a gruelling hours-long operation to remove keloids from his face and ear.
After the extensive surgery at Knysna Provincial Hospital, he travelled to Hermanus Oncology for the first of three urgent intensive radiation sessions, which helps minimise the regrowth of the keloids.
“The surgery on the morning of 15 May lasted close to five hours because there were several surgeons operating on my face and ear. The surgery went smoothly and was successful.
“Immediately after waking up from the surgery, I had to rush to Hermanus Oncology to receive my first of three radiotherapy sessions, which were half-hour sessions each. The recovery took up to eight weeks, when I had to apply new tape weekly to the areas operated on.”
This was Rasool’s first major surgical intervention since his condition began in 2012, representing a significant milestone on his long journey towards managing the condition that has affected his relationship with the world.
The procedure has not only boosted his confidence and self-esteem, but also restored his hearing. “My hearing ability is back to 100%.”
However, he still experiences stabbing pains daily on the ear where the keloids were removed from.
“The facial problem I faced was the severe burning irritation, but this has subsided day by day.”
While the valued support from the Dr Ansua Foundation ensured the facial procedure was performed pro bono, Rasool still faces the costly ongoing challenge of accessing further medical treatment.
He continues to suffer from severe keloids covering his upper body, including his chest, back, shoulders and arms, requiring additional procedures, treatments and long-term care.
“It has been draining me for 12 years and counting, as this is a very long and painful road ahead. However, I’m willing to fight to improve my quality of life by any means necessary.”
The emotional toll has been significant, forcing him to abandon his tertiary studies. A great boon after the surgery has been the desire to be more outgoing, the prospect of being out and about again, facing the world.
“I had to give up my BCom Accounting degree course after two and a half years, because the condition was affecting me too much physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Despite the challenges Rasool drew strength from his support network. “Each member of my family has been a pillar of strength; their love and care mean everything, and they always check on my progress.”
He also expressed his immense gratitude for the community support that has emerged since his story was first shared.
“A few people from the community contributed financially to my journey after seeing the article, and I’m asking for continued support for upcoming operations and radiotherapy sessions, which are quite costly. I will forever be grateful for their kindness.”
However, the reality of private healthcare costs continues to weigh heavily on Rasool and his family. “There is no treatment available in public-sector health, only private. I would really like to be self-sufficient again. There is still much hope for a significantly improved life. I have waited 12 years for this breakthrough. All I need is to be patient and pray the keloids don’t grow back.”
Those willing and able to help Keanou’s cause can donate via his Back-a-Buddy page “Help Keanou fight severe keloids”.
Those unable to offer financial support is asked to help by sharing the campaign details via social networks to spread awareness of his journey.
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