Family pleads for help to save baby's life
Close to N$2 million needed for life-saving operation
Ten-month-old Jayden has been diagnosed with a deadly liver disease, and with only limited funds available from their medical aid, the family is struggling to collect the money needed to save his life.
Ten-month-old Jayden Groenewaldt was diagnosed with biliary atresia on 21 April this year.Biliary atresia is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. In babies with biliary atresia, bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder is blocked. This can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver, which is deadly if not treated.
A liver transplant to correct the condition is only possible in South Africa, and the total expenses, including aftercare and chronic medication, will cost N$1.95 million.
Without the critical medical intervention, Jayden's parents, Jan and Daleen Groenewaldt, said their baby’s life expectancy would be about two years. But because of Jayden's rapidly declining health, the family fears he will not make it to his first birthday.
"My wife and I were speechless, shocked, and sad when we found out. But we had to pull ourselves together for the sake of our baby," Jan said.
Urgent help needed
They have launched a gogetfunding.com fund that has so far collected N$2 090, plus N$300 sent via e-wallet. "Every cent counts, and we are extremely grateful for it," said Jan.
"We beg the Namibian public, private businesses, the community, and charity organisations to help save our baby," Jan pleaded.
The family’s medical aid fund only covers N$116 000 for the medical expenses. They have made an ex-gratia application based on the unexpected major costs they now face.
At the beginning of April, Jayden's health deteriorated, and he was admitted to Lady Pohamba Hospital. He has been hospitalised since then.
The Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in South Africa is the only medical facility that can perform the necessary liver transplants.
The public can donate to the gogetfunding account at https://gogetfunding.com/lets-give-jayden-a-chance/. Alternatively, they can contact Jan at 081 482 0446.