A 3D printer that was meant to sharpen a teenager’s business mind has helped to grow his heart as well. Fifteen-year-old Pieter Smit has pledged to give R5 of everything he prints and sells to fund cancer treatment for little Janique Venter.
The three-year-old Venter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma before she was 6 months old and since then she has gone through multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her mother, Nadine Mukheibir, expressed that they have been unsuccessful in stopping the growth of the cancerous lump in her little girl’s neck.
“She had a scan two months ago where they discovered that the lump has become larger. The doctors said there is nothing more they can do for her so we researched a doctor in Texas. He said there is treatment there for her that involves anti-neuroblastoma IV treatment and targeted therapy. But it will cost over R1 million and that excludes all other travelling costs,” said Mukheibir.
Smit heard about the difficult situation Janique and her family have been finding themselves in. He explained that for him it is important to act when someone else is in need but he hopes in doing so he will inspire other people to also contribute to the life changing treatment.
“I know I won’t be able to raise enough for the entire costs but if a lot of people can give a little bit then it becomes a lot. I chose to get involved because I just put myself in her shoes and realised that I would also appreciate the help of others,” he said.
Smit creates toys, puzzles, unique cookie cutters and décor among other items with his 3D printer. He sells all the items at the Langenhoven Market at stall 198 Olienlaan on Saturdays as well as his online shop, www.jip3d.com. “My father got me the printer during lockdown so that I can learn more about business. I have to pay him back so I decided to start selling the 3D items that I make,” said Smit.
His mother, Nicola Smit, expressed her pride in her son. “I was secretly watching him as he was selling his products last week and I noticed that he would keep putting money from his wallet into the wallet that had Janique’s contributions. It filled me with so him to do but he does it naturally out of the much joy because that’s not something I told goodness of his heart,” she said.
Nomaqhawe Mtebele
