GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — In October 2011, a young Union High Grade 6 learner, Jean-Pierre Kruger, was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma.

Burkitt Lymphoma is a type of cancer associated with impaired immunity and is rapidly fatal if left untreated. However, JP went to Cape Town for treatment and received fortnightly chemotherapy and lumbar punches over a period of three months.

Among all of the other side-effects associated with chemotherapy, JP lost all of his hair.

He received his last treatment on January 7, 2012, after which he returned to school on January 21, to start his Grade 7 year. On January 21, 2017, JP celebrated his fifth year in remission, which officially makes him cancer-free.

To celebrate this enormous occasion, and in support of JP, he and 15 of his friends decided to shave their heads - some not quite as courageous as the others. Union High salutes JP's courage and bravery.

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