A morbidly obese Mpumalanga boy whose rare condition kept him constantly hungry died at the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria on Thursday.
Caden Benjamin, 11, dreamed of having a normal childhood and playing with friends who overlooked his medical condition, and of one day driving a fast car.
However, he spent the last year hooked to an oxygen tank and on medication. He had to visit a physiotherapist regularly just to help him breath.
According to the reports, when there was no food, he eats anything available, including toilet paper.
According to new reports, the boy has passed away at the age of 11.
Caden suffered from Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by a missing chromosome. One of the symptoms is constant hunger, as his brain was not able to register that he was full after eating.
At age 10, the boy weighed 90kg. Obesity led to him having a major respiratory condition, an enlarged heart, diabetes, depression, cellulitis and a weak body due to inactivity. He wasn’t able to attend school.
Sacks on Wednesday told reporters that she was devastated after losing her only child.
“Caden was her whole life. Although she knew his chances of recovery were slim, she is still devastated,” she said.
“She wants him to be remembered for the sweet, brave boy that he was.”
Sadly, he died on November 15 at the Steve Biko Hospital in the city of Pretoria in South Africa’s Gauteng Province.
Caden’s obesity led to serious problems with his breathing. He also had to undergo a tracheotomy a while back and had to breath through a tube inserted into his windpipe. The condition also meant he had an enlarged heart, diabetes and depression.
His mother Zola Benjamin is reportedly devastated at losing her only child.
Following Caden’s death, Sacks said the crowdfunding campaign on the BackaBuddy platform had been extended to raise funds for his funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday.
“I hope we can help his single mother to give Caden the funeral that he deserves,” said Sacks.
“Caden and his mother were never separated. Friday night was her first night without him. I would like her not to stress about finances during the immense grieving process.”
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