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Fundraising for Brodie Snyman – Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Microcephaly, Bronchiectasis, Dystonia, Apnea

Brodie`s story:

Brodie Snyman sustained severe brain damage at birth due to placenta abrubtion. Doctors said he is a very sick little boy and he had to spend 6 weeks in NICU. He started having convulsion fits and was struggling to drink normally. Brodie was admitted to hospital 3 weeks after he was discharged from neonatal with pneumonia, and was transferred to Sandton Medi Clinic to see Specialists there.

Little Brodie can’t swallow properly and then aspirates. From the severe repeated aspirations, Brodie’s lungs were severely damaged. He was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis lung disease and had to be put on oxygen. They also had to insert a mickey feeding tube in his tummy, so that he can be fed that way.

The first two years of Brodie’s life he spent mostly in hospital due to all kinds of infections as his immune system is very low, so he is very susceptible to viruses and illness.

His muscles are very spastic and requires botox every 6 months, he receives botox in the saliva glands to prevent aspiration as well.

Brodie requires weekly neuro/occupational/speech/swallow therapy, which the medical aid do not cover, He also needs a standing frame, special bath seat, and a specialised buggy for the scoliosis in his back.He also has displaced hips.

Brodie needs to see the doctors every 3 months to check on his lung disease. His chronic medication is very expensive, which the medical aid also don’t cover in full. He needs to be nebulised 4 times a day for his Asthma and Bronchiectasis, and he needs daily chest physio. Brodie also needs 24 hour care as he can’t sit, roll, stand or walk, and he can’t talk either.

Brodie is our Little Miracle boy, as we almost lost him twice due to severe infections. The doctors told us we would be lucky if Brodie gets to 2 year old, but he is a real fighter! He turned 3 years old in March and we are so grateful for every single day with him .

Required Medication/Treatment/Therapy

  • Co-payments for medication is roughly R2000 a month. All Therapy together adds up to R2400 a week if we can afford all 3 sessions.
  • Brodie’s medical equipment (standing frame, bath seat and specialised buggy) – the last quote received was about R120 000, but that was quite a few months back so the prices may differ.
  • Co-payments for Brodie’s Botox varies between R5000 and R7000 at the hospital.
  • Outstanding doctors, pharmacy and hospital bills to be settled which is roughly R11 000.

By supporting the Arms of Mercy bracelet initiative you can help make a contribution to Brodie`s ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change his world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. Please remember to use “Brodie Snyman” as reference.

Follow Brodie Snyman’s Journey on Facebook for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Brodie Snyman

Little Miracle Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Little Miracle Bracelets

The “Little Miracle” Bracelets for Brodie consist of white and silver wooden beads with crystals and diamante fillers, or a mix of white and silver with 4 green glass beads.

Charm options: Cross / Hope-Awareness Ribbon / Letter B.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Little Miracle Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Little Miracle Bracelets

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Fundraising for Elsune Fyver – Brain Cancer & Bone Marrow Cancer

Elsune`s story:

Elsune Fyver is a 14 month old baby girl who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that is the size of a golf ball. A week prior to the diagnosis she had nausea, vomited, suffered from dehydration, and was admitted to hospital for 4 days. After she was discharged, Elsune became weak and she stopped eating and drinking, crawling, walking, and talking.

They tried to force-feed her but Elsune kept on vomiting with every feed. She had syncope and collapsed. She did not respond as normal and would take a few seconds to look in the direction of mom or dad. She was taken to the ER on 10 September 2020 and was admitted to run some tests. After the MRI and CT scan, Elsune`s mother was informed that her baby girl had a brain tumor.

On the 11th of September, Elsune started with steroid treatment to shrink the tumor, and she had a high-risk operation on the 15th of September. Currently their medical aid is exhausted and they need funds to cover shortfall on scans, tests, operation and doctors accounts.

Elsune had gone for her second round of Chemotherapy on the 25th of November and it’s been confirmed she has bone marrow cancer that cannot be operated on or treated. Mom is hoping chemo will be enough to help her until she is 3 and old enough for radiotherapy.

Please open your heart to Elsune and her family. By supporting our bracelet initiative you can help to raise funds to help pay for her ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change her world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. Please remember to use “Elsune Fyver” as reference.

Fundraising for Elsune Fyver

Forever Loved Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Forever Loved Bracelets

Forever Loved Bracelets for Elsune; consisting of grey and green wooden beads, crystals, and Jasper beads (precious stones).

Charm options: Heart, diamante awareness ribbon, or crown charm.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Forever Loved Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Forever Loved Bracelets

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Fundraising for Azealin Smiles – Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy with Brain Atrophy and Epilepsy

Azealin Smiles - Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Azealin`s story:

“Azealin Joseph Smiles was born on 06 October 2017 and weighed 3.2kg. He was a normal happy child and just attempted walking and talking when he was hospitalised. On the 9th of August 2018, at 10 months old, Azealin started
having seizures. We rushed with him to the emergency unit at Life Rosepark hospital.

The doctors struggled to stabilize him and we almost lost him. He was given a lumber punch after which he was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis. After battling to keep him alive, the pediatrician admitted him to the Pediatric ICU where he stayed for 46 days.

When the meningitis cleared, more tests were done and Azealin was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with Brain Atrophy and Epilepsy. He is also blind in his right eye, and we are still not sure whether he can see properly through his left eye. He is unable to walk, sit and talk, and needs full time attention and special equipment to assist him with daily living and development. He will also have to wear nappies for the rest of his life.

Through donations and saving we were able to procure a buggy and bath chair for him but we are currently still in need of a Standing frame, Specialized bed, a Ramp at our home for his buggy and later his wheelchair, and Nappies.
Azealin also needs weekly physical therapy as well as occupational therapy which our medical aid refuses to pay at this stage. He needs to go see the pediatrician regularly and needs to have tests done every six months.

He has seizures or tremors more than once a day and needs medication daily to minimize the seizures and the effect it has on his brain. It must be said that after seeing his brain scans and evaluating his tests, Azealin’s doctors (pediatrician and neurologist) did not have much hope that Azealin would make any type of movement or effort to communicate or for that matter chew or swallow food.

It has been 3 years and apart from growing taller, Azealin chews and swallows his food, he communicates with us by means of sound. He has a different noise for a different feeling and he can distinguish between his family members because he has a unique way in which he communicates with each of us.

He has no trouble at all moving his arms and legs and even started mimicking crawling actions when he lies on his tummy. He even gets angry when his body fails to comply.

We are truly grateful for each day with him and thank God for bringing him back to us and giving us little miracles to look forward to with every action that Azealin attempts to do.”

Please open your heart and help us to carry the financial burden by ordering Azealin`s special “Just Smile” and “Love You to the Moon” Bracelets – all proceeds are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference and help change his world!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Azealin Smiles.

Fundraising for Azealin Smiles

Love you to the moon Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Just Smile Bracelets

The “Just Smile” Bracelets for Azealin consist of turquoise wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers. Charm options: Faith / Love / Anchor. To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Just Smile Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Just Smile Bracelets

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Love You to the Moon Bracelets

“Love You to the Moon” Bracelets for Azealin consist of green & navy wooden beads and crystal, silver and diamante fillers. Charm options: Moon / Heart / Love-Hope-Faith. Contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Love you to the moon Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Love You to the Moon Bracelets

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Fundraising for Leonieke Erasmus – RETT Syndrome

Leonieke Erasmus – RETT Syndrome

Leonieke`s story:

Leonieke Erasmus was born prematurely on 34 weeks but was healthy and at that stage they did not suspect anything to be wrong with her. When she was about 14 months old she started regressing and lost the ability to sit, lost all hand function, and the few words that she had at that age.   

After numerous tests and weeks in hospital she was diagnosed with RETT Syndrome. RETT Syndrome traps her in her body as she has no way of communicating. She can still not sit by herself, walk or even use her hands purposefully. This is the reason she desperately needed a proper positioning wheelchair, which has since been donated to her from the UK.

She is currently on Gems but they only pay small portions for everything she needs. Her mom and dad are in administrative positions in the police service with 2 more children to take care of.

Leonieke has already been diagnosed with scoliosis and osteoporosis as well, but there is no way they can afford everything she needs, especially a proper chair. She also needs a bath chair as her mom struggles to bath her and to wash her hair.

Please open your heart and support our fundraising initiative so we can make a real positive difference in this little girl`s life. Together we can change her world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Leonieke Erasmus.

Fundraising for Leonieke Erasmus

Never Hide Your Wings Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Never Hide Your Wings Bracelets

Never Hide Your Wings Bracelets for Leonieke; consisting of light purple wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Diamanté Butterfly / Double-Awareness Ribbon / Little Bird.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Never Hide Your Wings Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Never Hide Your Wings Bracelets

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Fundraising for Kevin van Eeden – Optic Nerve Atrophy, Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

kevin van eeden

Kevin`s story:

Kevin van Eeden was born on the 10th of April 2006 at 30 weeks, weighing a mere 1.5kg at birth. After 28 days in Neonatal ICU at the hospital where he was born, he was discharged with a clean medical record and weighing 1.9kg. At almost 5 months, mom Marlene, began to suspect that there was something wrong with his eyes as he wasn`t focusing on anything. After many doctors` visits and tests, they confirmed that Kevin has Optic Nerve Atrophy (ONA) and are therefore completely blind. ONA means that the nerve of both eyes connecting them to the brain has not developed and so there is no communication between the eyes and the brain.

Mom and Dad sold everything and moved to Cape Town to try to give Kevin a better chance of a normal life. They managed to get him in at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and after further tests they were shocked to learn that Kevin also has severe brain damage (presumably due to complications at birth). Kevin’s condition is called Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.

The costs in Cape Town were just too expensive to get a suitable school daycare for Kevin, and because his parents didn’t have medical there either, they were forced to return to Lichtenburg. They both got jobs again but mom’s medical aid still does not cover everything that Kevin needs, such as therapy, special equipment and nappies etc. He is on 2 types of chronic medication for seizures and also on medication for chronic constipation (Pegicol), but it is not chronically covered and is deducted from medical day to day benefits each month. His nappies, wipes and other needs such as extra nutritional supplements like Pediasure and other supplements are also not covered by medical. Because they are on a Saver Medical Aid they simply can’t afford to take Kevin for therapy on a regular basis.

They had to hire a nanny to take care of Kevin during the day when both parents are at work. The nanny’s salary also costs a fair amount each month.

Kevin is a very loving and cheerful boy despite all the setbacks and trials he has to go through every day. He must wear nappies and has to be fed soft food. Chances of choking are very high as he cannot control his breath or chew like others do. He needs to sleep between mom and dad on their bed because he can choke, or have a seizure in his sleep. He also has to be turned regularly to prevent bed sores.

Update March 2022: Kevin is turning 16 years old in April and not much has changed with regards to his needs. He still needs to eat soft foods and can only eat whilst lying down. He cannot swallow when he sits, and this makes his chances of choking and aspiring so much more. He also requires lots of extra nutrition as he can only eat certain foods. He doesn`t get a lot of meat and protein in his diet because he cannot chew and does not like the taste of blended meat. Kevin can`t eat any foods that cause gas as this triggers his seizures. He is on meds for constipation as well. He still gets seizures and he is on 2 types of chronic medication for it. He also takes Risperdal at night to help him calm down and helps with sleep as his brain sometimes just doesn’t shut down. He has severe scoliosis in his back, and his hips are both dislocated which makes his pain very intense at times, together with the spasms in his muscles. He has contractures in his arms and legs which makes it even more difficult to move them. He is on adult size medium nappies now.

They had to downgrade their medical aid also as the medical aid premium was more than mom`s salary now as she had to change to a new job because of the 12hr shifts (day and night) she was working at her previous job. She took a huge cut in salary but at least the working hours are better and she has more time with Kevin. Dad is working extra overtime hours to try and compensate for the extra costs needed.

Besides all the challenges he faces, Kevin is still such a happy joyful child who wants nothing more than love and attention.

Because Kevin is now becoming a big boy, and won’t be able to sleep between his parents forever, they are thinking of purchasing something like an electronic hospital bed to make it easier to deal with his needs. Mom can hardly pick him up and carry him around anymore. He also needs a special needs bath chair to facilitate bath time, especially if one of his parents are not there. An electric hoist will also make life a lot easier for him and his parents because he gets taller and heavier by the day, and it`s becoming increasingly difficult to get him in and out of the bath, and from the bed to his special needs buggy.

Supporting our fundraising initiative is a great way to get involved and make a significant difference in Kevin`s life. All proceeds from his “Anchored in Faith” Bracelets are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change his world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Kevin van Eeden.

Follow Help for Kevin on Facebook for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Kevin Jacques van Eeden

Anchored in Faith Bracelets

Anchored in Faith Bracelets for Kevin; consisting of white and teal wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Anchor / Infinity / Hope-Awareness Ribbon & small Cross.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Anchored in Faith Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Anchored in Faith Bracelets

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Fundraising for Mianique van der Walt – Spastic Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy

Fundraising for Mianique van der Walt

Mianique`s story:

Mianique van der Walt was born at 34 weeks on the 20th of November 2017. She weighed 1.7 kg and was in ICU for a week. She did not achieve her milestones like children her age, so she went to see a Pediatrician who sent her for a CT scan; and diagnosed her with spastic cerebral palsy.

Mianique is a little angel from heaven with so much love for everything around her. She is turning 5 years old in November 2022. She has to wear nappies and she still drinks her formula milk to help with weight maintenance. She still can`t crawl or walk, but can sit for a few minutes on her own, and she is trying her best to crawl two steps.

She continues with speech therapy, physio, and occupational therapy, and she can now also count to 10! She is seeing a dietician and she must soon attend her appointment at the eye clinic. Mianique was also for a big operation on her legs in September 2020.

In January 2021, Mianique started with epileptic seizures; she now has epilepsy and is taking Epilim medication. The doctor is concerned about high blood pressure therefore she is being monitored when she has headaches and nose bleeds.

Mianique was scheduled to have another big operation on her legs and muscles in June 2021, but this was postponed and they are currently still awaiting feedback.

Join her Facebook Group for live updates on her progress and journey.

By supporting our fundraising initiative you can help make a significant difference in this little girl`s life. All proceeds from the “Blessed Beyond” Bracelets are donated towards her ongoing medical expenses. Together we can change her world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively; please consider a donation, any and all donations welcome. REF: Mianique vd Walt.

Fundraising for Mianique van der Walt

Blessed Beyond Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Blessed Beyond Bracelets

Blessed Beyond Bracelets for Mianique consist of purple and silver wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Butterfly / Angel / I love God-Heart.

To place an ordercontact the agent in your area, or shop online.

Blessed Beyond Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Blessed Beyond Bracelets

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Fundraising for Diandrè Labuschagne – Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Multifocal Epilepsy

Diandrè Labuschagne

Diandrè`s story:

“Diandrè Labuschagne was born with a mass on the right side of his brain. The prognosis was not very good for him and doctors only gave him 7% chance of survival in the first 24 hours, but this little fighter is still going strong.

On his 35 weeks pre-natal sonar, the Gynaecologist was concerned about a mass in Diandrè’s head and subsequently recommended that a fetal assessment be done. The outcome of the fetal assessment indicated that he will probably be still born or will only live a few hours. It seemed as if there was no hope for baby, Diandrè.

Diandrè was born on 4 April 2020 at 11:17. To everyone’s surprise he was born alive and was taken to NICU right after birth. On Monday 6 April he underwent a MRI scan showing that the tumour was still there and the prognosis was still not good for this little fighter.

He went to theatre 25 July 2020 for a Craniotomy to remove the tumour, it was confirmed that it was an intracranial haemorrhage most likely caused by a stroke that formed an infection that spread to his whole brain and left Diandrè with severe brain damage. He was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy with cortical-visual impairment, profound hearing loss and Multifocal Epilepsy. Diandrè is still unable to cry or show any emotions.

Diandrè did not reach any milestones yet but is able to drink his formula.

Diandre’s parents try to keep up with his medical expenses but these parents have two sick boys Diandre’s older brother has a serious immune disorder and needs to be admitted to the hospital monthly to get his polygram (immune boost).

Diandrè needs funds for his monthly expenses like medicine and ongoing therapy to give him a better quality of life. The therapy is also needed to keep his body from getting spastic and to assist with reaching some milestones. At this stage, Diandrè has occupational and physiotherapy once a week. Diandrè is also in need of special seating to keep his posture and for him to be comfortable.”

Please support our fundraising initiative for Diandrè. All proceeds from sales of his “Absolute Miracle” Bracelets are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider making a donation – any and all donations welcome. REF: Diandrè Labuschagne.

Join the group Gebede vir Diandre on Facebook for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Diandrè Labuschagne

Absolute Miracle Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Absolute Miracle Bracelets

Absolute Miracle Bracelets for Diandrè consist of turquoise and gold wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Cross / Angel Wings / Joy & Cross.

To place an ordercontact the agent in your area or shop online.

Absolute Miracle Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Absolute Miracle Bracelets

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Fundraising for Esmè Lombard – Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS)

Esmè Lombard - Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma

Esmè`s story:

Esmè Lombard was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdosarcoma on the 8th of January 2020, after visiting the hospital twice with bladder infection. She was sent to a Urologist who found the cancer, and then to Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre where they confirmed the diagnosis. The cancer made a fistula through her vagina.

She turned 8 years old on the 13th of March. The bladder was constantly leaking so she wore a nappy and couldn’t go to school for the year. She has already done 7 rounds of chemo.

Meanwhile, she struggled with bleeding due to low platelets and she gets a bad reaction with the chemo on her hands and feet which then swells and peels. It is very painful and she struggles to walk.

She had another scan on the 17th of March which showed that the fistula has healed, and that the tumor has shrunk a lot. There is still swelling in the bladder wall, but they will have to do a biopsy to see if it is tumor or scar tissue.

Supporting Arms of Mercy`s bracelet initiative is way to get involved and make a positive difference in Esmè`s life. Together we can change her world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Esme Lombard.

Join the Esmè Lombard support group on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Update 27 January 2021: On the 21st of January we shared the news that Esmè is in remission after spending most of last year in the hospital. It is with so much sadness that I need to inform you that our very brave warrior has relapsed. We call on all prayer warriors to intercede for Esmè as well as her parents. This must be a very tough and emotional roller coaster as we still remain flesh… Please support Esmè’s bracelet fundraiser. She will need your support more than ever. Be the change – make a difference. 

Update 17 February 2021 from mom, Angela: “Esmè’s tests came back today. It’s pre-cancer cells and has spread to the vaginal wall. So on 9 March they will do a 6 hour operation, the bladder, uterus and part of the vaginal wall will be removed. We do the operation while it is still pre-cancer because if it turns into cancer and spread they can do nothing. Doctor is positive about the operation, has had great success with the operation before. She will get a bag outside the body (because of where the cancer is they will not be able to build a bladder for her) she has to carry it until she is 16 and after that we can look at other options. We are sad but serve a great God. Thank you for everyone`s prayers.”

Update 28 September 2022: Esme is 1 year in remission after they removed her bladder, womb and urethra. She is healthy and doing well. Her next appointment with the gynecologist and oncologist is in December. Next year she will have a checkup with the orthopedic doc and the urologist. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. 

Fundraising for Esmè Lombard

Unicorn Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Unicorn Bracelets

Unicorn Bracelets for Esmè consist of coloured wooden beeads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers. Options:
1.
White, Pink, Purple, Turquoise Mix with Unicorn charm
2.
White, Pink, Purple, Turquoise Mix with Crown charm
3.
White, Pink, Purple Mix with Hope-Awareness Ribbon and Believe charm

Unicorn Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Unicorn Bracelets

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Unique Bracelets

Unique Bracelets for Esmè consist of red, navy blue, white and silver wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Awareness ribbon / Puzzle piece / Heart charm.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Unique Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Unique Bracelets

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Fundraising for Bea Jordaan – Bilateral Retinoblastoma

Bea Jordaan

Bea`s story:

Bea Jordaan, a little miracle, was born prematurely in 2019. Mom, Elna (42 yr.) with type 1 diabetes, miraculously fell pregnant and gave birth to baby Bea. On 3 February 2020 their whole life changed when Bea was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma – a very rare cancer in the eye. Little Bea has this cancer in both of her eyes.

On 14 February 2020 she received the port through which she would receive her chemo. She received her first chemo treatment the next day. A few days later, on the 20th , Bea went for an MRI scan to determine how aggressive the tumours were. This day ripped their whole life apart as it was discovered that the tumour in her left eye measured 1.5cm x1.4cm, while the tumour in the right eye was 5mm. To save baby Bea from this cancer spreading throughout her body, her left eye had to be removed completely on the 24th. She received her second chemo treatment on 6 March, at Unitas Hospital.

Because of the sudden illness and operation, Elna had to resign from her job to take care of Bea. Daddy was retrenched from his job and currently works for a very small salary at a hardware store. At this stage, the family is completely dependent on their retired parents for financial support as well as transport, as they currently do not own a car. They urgently need our support to help fund the temporary prosthetic eye and all the costs pertaining to this cause. Together we can make a difference, one bracelet at a time!

Please consider a donation – any and all donations welcome. REF: Bea Jordaan.

Update 13 August 2020:
The doctors have found a new tumour growing in Bea’s right eye. They have started radiation every three weeks. Bea has to complete three blocks of radiation before the doctors will decide whether she needs to start with chemo. Please keep baby girl Bea, as well as her parents, in your prayers.

Update 16 January 2023:
On 5 January 2022, D. Lara Sandri, who treated Bea’s cancer, gave us the wonderful news of Bea’s remission. Follow up appointments were set for every 11 weeks after that. On 11 January 2023, we received confirmation that the tumours in Bea’s eye are dead and shrinking. This means that Bea’s cancer has been in remission for a full year now!

Bea started day-care in July 2022 and has adapted very well. She loves spending time with friends and enjoys the sandpit the most. In class, she enjoys building with blocks, and she loves helping her friends. She’s a sassy little character!

Bea’s health is doing very well, and she’s a real little busy bee. She prefers playing and stories over watching television. Her favourite colour is yellow, and she has a healthy appetite. Bea has a very sharp little mind, and doesn’t easily forget anything – she’s quick to bring up any promises that may have been forgotten!

Mommy and Bea are now living in Modimolle. The intervals for follow up examinations remain at 11 weeks, until Dr. Sandri makes a change.

Please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Bea Jordaan.

Fundraising for Bea Jordaan

Hope for Bea Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Hope for Bea Bracelets

Hope for Bea Bracelets; consisting of yellow and white wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options:
Letter B / Rose / Daisy.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Hope for Bea Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Hope for Bea Bracelets

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Butterfly Magic Bracelets

Butterfly Magic Bracelets for Bea; consisting of baby pink & light grey wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Butterfly / Hope-Awareness Ribbon / Heart.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Butterfly Magic Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Butterfly Magic Bracelets

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Fundraising for Brayden Wiebosch – Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy

Brayden Wiebosch - Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Brayden`s story:

Brayden Wiebosch, was born a healthy and happy boy on the 7th of March 2018, but his life changed drastically on the 8th of June 2018. At a mere 3 months old, every parent’s worst nightmare occurred when Brayden was feeding on his bottled milk and choked, causing him to have a seizure.

Kaylee and Harry, his mother and father, had to resuscitate him while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Brayden was admitted to Wilgeheuwel Hospital, the closest hospital to where they live and he remained there for 3 months to be stabilised, undergoing numerous medical procedures, one of which was an induced coma to help relieve the blood pressure surrounding his brain. A craniotomy was then performed. Once stabilised, Brayden was released to The Almond Tree, who discovered that he may have pneumonia; he was admitted to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (old Joburg Gen Hospital) where he stayed for two weeks.

Brayden has been diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, and he has to feed through a PEG (a feeding tube inserted into his stomach). Knowing that they do not have medical aid, Kaylee and Harry, are strung up to find funds to pay for Wilgeheuwel’s fees. They have managed to pay some, but not all of the fees.

He went for X-rays on his hips and his left hip is out of place. They cannot do an operation on his hip as he is 4 years old and too young and he is not in pain either, but once he actually starts feeling pain they will have to operate on him.

Brayden’s fight is not over; he has physio, O.T and speech therapy at Jhb General Hospital once a month. Funds are needed for outstanding medical bills at Wilgeheuwel Hospital, as well as his continuous physio and O.T that he will have to endure for the rest of his life.

Supporting Arms of Mercy`s bracelet initiative is way to get involved and make a positive difference in Brayden`s life. All proceeds from the “You are Precious” Bracelets are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference – once bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Brayden Wiebosch.

Fundraising for Brayden Wiebosch

You are Precious Bracelets ©-Arms of Mercy NPC

You Are Precious Bracelets

You are Precious Bracelets for Brayden consist of dark grey, white and green wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Believe / Love / Faith & Cross.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

You are Precious Bracelets ©-Arms of Mercy NPC
You are Precious Bracelets

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Fundraising for Grace Shadrach – Sacral Agenesis

Grace Shadrach – Sacral Agenesis

Grace`s story:

Grace Shadrach was born on the 13th of June 2012, 34 weeks into the pregnancy as an emergency C-section due to complications. She weighed 4kg at birth and there was no problems or anticipated health concerns in the pregnancy according to the Obstetrician, but after delivery the Paediatrician had come in to discuss Grace`s condition.

Having a baby is such a beautiful experience but nothing prepared mom and dad, Susan and Eugene, for the road ahead..

They were told that her feet were deformed, a type of clubbed foot, and that she also had anal-malformation. That was a lot to handle but as days went on they found more and more problems like Sacral Agenesis – the most painful issue to deal with. Part of her spine was “missing” as it did not develop; she will never ever walk and will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

She had been seen by numerous Specialists who could not do much. She was discharged after a month or so and went through to Durban to see a different Paediatrician. He had noticed that Grace had a problem with her eyesight and after testing found she had bilateral cataracts. She was referred to Specialists who could not do anything and referred her to another Specialist who surgically removed them. She was also referred to another Paediatric Ophthalmologist for glasses that had to be especially made for her overseas.

Susan was told by one of the Drs to make the decision of choosing whether to go back to work or not, and that Grace needed her undivided attention. She decided to resign in order to be there for little Grace. Consequently things are difficult financially because there is now one less salary.

Eventually their money had finished and Medical Aid had to fall away. All of the Specialists did scans and MRIs, blood tests and consultations, but nothing to repair the problems with her feet or bowel problems. Eventually after all the testing they found she had 3 kidneys with persistent bladder infections as well as a micro-colon with chronic constipation or severe diarrhea.

It has been a challenge to say the least. From Febrile convulsions, hospital admissions to high bowel washouts every other day. Grace is 7 going on 8 and still in nappies and that alone is a struggle. She has incontinence and toilet training has not worked so nappies, wetwipes, linen savers, nappy rash creams alone have become a costly affair as well as her Nutritional supplement, Pediasure.

With prayers from her parents, families and friends, Grace has defied Drs reports and started to walk on her own with no help at all – and she has never used a wheelchair. She has such an incredible mind and is so intelligent but what is sad is that there are no schools in Empangeni that are willing to take her because she is still in a nappy.

Any help would be welcomed, especially with her nappies and Pediasure. Surgeries that she still needs would be to repair her feet as well as repairing the anal malformation. She needs to be seen by a Ophthalmologist again to assess if she still needs glasses and ocular lenses.

You can help to raise funds for little Grace`s medical care and expenses by supporting our bracelet initiative. Together we can give her a chance at a better quality life and a brighter future!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Grace Shadrach.

Like and Follow Arms of Mercy NPC on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Fundraising for Grace Shadrach

Grace from God Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Grace from God Bracelets

Grace from God Bracelets for Grace; consisting of green and silver wooden beads with crystals – and a Diamanté Cross, Heart, or Unicorn charm.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Grace from God Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Grace from God Bracelets

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Fundraising for Mila Koekemoer – Stage III Neuroblastoma Cancer

Mila’s story:

Mila Koekemoer (9 yr.) from Brackenfell in Cape Town, has been diagnosed with cancer on the 2nd of January 2020.

While Mila and mom, Michelle, were away on holiday, she started complaining about tummy cramps. On 29 December 2019, Michelle took her for X-rays, which appeared to only be a blockage, and Mila was given medication to treat that. A Dr in Cape Town then saw a little mark right at the top of the X-ray and requested for her to have another X-ray done, but higher up, including the tummy and chest area. What seemed like an “air bubble” around her lung area was actually a mass without a name.

She was immediately referred to Tygerberg Hospital`s Oncology Department as they have one of the best facilities for treatment there. Two Biopsies were taken at Tygerberg Hospital from both her hips to get bone marrow on 2 January, along with blood tests. Still they couldn’t identify the exact cancer or the stage. Mila then underwent more surgery on 3 January 2020 at the Vincent Palotti hospital so they can get a larger chunk from the biopsy, and a port was inserted in her right upper-chest area for future chemo treatment.

On the 15th of January, after loads more tests, it was established that Mila has Neuroblastoma Cancer. The next day, Mila and Michelle spent the whole day at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital to do bone scans, to see if the cancer has spread. Thankfully it did not show in her bones, so it hasn’t spread.

Mila went for her first chemo on 17/01/2020; and had a severe allergic reaction to the first of 3 chemo drips. As soon as the first drop entered her body she turned red, got a rush and loads of bumps under her skin, and could not breathe. She then received a double dose of the antidote to start her breathing again.

The alternative chemo drip is not in stock anywhere in South Africa, and has to be sourced and imported. Together we can give her a fighting chance and change her world, one bracelet at a time!

Update 30 June 2020: It’s going well with Mila. She is almost finished with her course of chemo, and they are planning the next step of treatment for her. She is such a warrior; fighting this enormous cancer battle with so much courage and a smile. Please pray with us for Mila and her family, for the next step of their journey.

21 July 2020 ~ Mila rang the bell!

We are so thankful for this moment, our little Mila got to rang the BELL after her last chemo session. The road ahead is still long, as they are awaiting the next step of planning the stem-cell procedures and radiation thereafter. But overall, Mila is being brave as always and doing well. We are with you every step of the way Mila, and our army of prayer warriors are praying with you.

Fundraising for Mila Koekemoer

Let Love Grow Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Let Love Grow Bracelets

The Let Love Grow Ladies Bracelets for Mila consist of black or turquoise wooden beads with a Tree of Life-Heart charm – and the Men`s Bracelet consists of black wooden beads with infinity charm.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.
Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Mila Koekemoer.

Let Love Grow Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Let Love Grow Bracelets – Ladies

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Let Love Grow Men`s Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Let Love Grow Bracelets – Men`s

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Fundraising for Chi-Nelri Smith – Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

Chi-Nelri Smith

Chi-Nelri`s story:

Chi-Nelri Smith was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemiawhen you inherit two copies of a gene that isn’t working right, one from each of your parents. Normally, the liver removes extra LDL cholesterol from the blood using particles called LDL receptors. These receptors attach to LDL cholesterol and play a key role in keeping your cholesterol levels under control. When you have this disease, the faulty gene keeps the LDL receptors from working right. Your cholesterol levels get high.

Her Cholesterol count was 27. All her tests were done in Belgium and they received the DNA tests which confirmed that she had the “double dose” of two Afrikaner-2 mutations. The 2 sets of numbers. The common name is the Afrikaner 2 – a local mutation, which is known to have a greater incidence of heart disease in unmanaged patients.

After she had a cardiac arrest at the age of 2, the only option was a liver transplant for her to survive. Chi-Nelri was listed in January 2019 and by 9 April there was still no cadaveric donor due to a shortage of organs in South Africa. Family members volunteered and started with tests to see if anyone was a compatible match, and an Angel was sent in the form of Chi-Neiri’s aunt, who was a match.

Chi-Nelri had a living liver donar. If she did not receive a liver transplant when she did, she wouldn’t have a second chance. She has an aortic valve leak because her veins started to close before the transplant, but because she received an organ, Chi-Nelri is doing much better.

“If her story can help people to realise how important organ donation is, then our mission is accomplished. Seeing how people lose their loved ones because of organ shortage is just so unfair. Why wouldn’t you want to be a hero?  Be a hero… Be an Organ Donor. “

Chi-Nelri still needs tests done on an ad-hoc basis, but the medical aid doesn’t cover everything. Please help us to raise funds to cover her upcoming blood tests, doctors appointments, medical bills and outstanding accounts. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Follow Bid saam vir Chi-Nelri Smith on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Fundraising for Chi-Nelri Smith

Fantasy Bracelets

Fantasy Bracelets for Chi-Nelri; consisting of baby pink, purple, silver & turquoise wooden beads with crystals – and a Unicorn, Stars, or Daisy charm.

To place an order, contact the agent in your area or shop online.

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Chi-Nelri Smith.

Fantasy Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Fantasy Bracelets

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