Super Jace

On 19 March 2020, Jace entered the world just days before South Africa’s national lockdown began on 26 March. In a remarkable coincidence, his parents, Chanté and JP, were able to spend those precious early months together with him while much of the country paused.

Like every new parent, they dreamed about the future that lay ahead for their little boy. They imagined the person he would become, the passions he would discover, and the difference he would make in the world.

As Jace grew older and started school, one thing became wonderfully clear—he loved superheroes. More often than not, he insisted on wearing his Batman costume, ready to take on whatever adventure the day might bring. It was a fitting choice, because he possessed the courage, determination, and spirit of a true hero.

Just 13 days after his fourth birthday, Jace was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Although the news was devastating, his family faced the journey ahead with hope. Their little superhero began a courageous battle that lasted just over two years, enduring chemotherapy and blinatumomab treatment with remarkable resilience through every setback and every small victory.

When it became clear that Jace would need a bone marrow transplant, family, friends, and supporters registered as potential donors through DKMS. The process was simple, efficient, and could be completed from home. Thanks to the incredible work of the donor registry, a highly compatible donor was found.

On 13 January 2026, Jace began his bone marrow transplant journey. The procedure required the complete destruction of his existing bone marrow before healthy donor stem cells could be transplanted, offering renewed hope for his recovery.

On 28 April 2026, Jace developed a fever and was admitted to hospital. After several days of investigation and once other possible causes had been ruled out, doctors diagnosed him with Adenovirus. Unfortunately, the medication required to treat the infection was not available in South Africa. Shortly before his passing, Jace developed Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and severe inflammatory condition. By this stage, his leukemia had been successfully treated, but the complications that followed proved too much for his body to overcome.

Despite his extraordinary courage and the unwavering dedication of his family and medical team, Jace passed away on 26 May 2026. Throughout his journey, he overcame every obstacle placed before him. In the end, it was not the cancer that took him, but the overwhelming complications that followed his treatment.

While his time with us was far too short, Jace filled it with joy, kindness, and a deep love for the world around him. He adored the farm and would often insist on walking down to the meadows at Black Horse Distillery to visit the horses and the Belted Galloway cattle. Those walks became treasured moments that reflected his gentle spirit and his love of nature.

Jace also had an incredible capacity to forgive, to smile, and to find happiness in the simplest things. His strength inspired everyone who knew him, and his kindness continues to remind us of what truly matters.

At Black Horse Distillery, Jace will always be remembered as our little superhero. His legacy lives on in the fields he loved, in the memories he created, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Forever my superhero. Forever my everything.