Category: Stories 2021

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Fundraising for Esmae Peters – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Esmae Peters

Esmae`s story:

On the 13th of July, Esmae Peters (3 yr.) was diagnosed with cancer. It was quite a progressive stage by then as she battled for about 2 months prior to receiving the diagnosis. She has had a few lumbar punctures and completed about 9 chemotherapy treatments .

Unfortunately she recently contracted a blood infection together with Neutropenic colitis and Pancytopenia, which are 2 life-threatening conditions on their own … she was transferred from the Cancer ward to ICU high care. She has had enlarged liver and spleen about 4cm each, distended bowel, numerous bruises and blood clots on her skin and gums, oral sores and also blood and platelet transfusions.

Her medical needs include Physiotherapy, Psychology, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, optometry as well as dental as required.

Update from mommy, Magdalene Peters, 27/02/2023:

“Esmae is on day 593 in her journey thus far and she’s just completed chemo dose 158!!! True hero style! She remains in Remission 5 months to date and we are so grateful for the repeated breakthroughs and miracles the Lord has been faithful in granting her.

Still a long way to go until the end of treatment which is assumed to only be June 2025. The thought of it is just heartbreaking for all that this Braveheart girl off mine has to further endure, but we believe that God goes before her in all things and she’s gonna carry her Cross gracefully to the end.

Expected are…
29 consecutive months off hospital visits,
11 lumbar punctures,
Countless blood draws n tests,
116 more chemotherapy doses,
Bone marrow tests as required,
And whatever else comes up in this long term maintenance cycle she’s on.

Thank you so much to everyone who thinks of, and prays for us, we truly are grateful and appreciate your support and love. As we totally surrender this season of our lives to Jesus, we believe that He will grant us supernatural ableness and strength to reach the finish line reigning Victorious.”

We ask you to please open your heart and help us to carry the heavy financial burden by ordering Esmae`s special “Crowned in God`s Love Bracelets”, “Grow in Grace Bracelets” and Bath Bombs – all proceeds are donated towards her ongoing expenses where needed. Together we CAN make a difference and help a child in need.

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Esmae Peters.

Fundraising for Esmae Peters

Crowned in God`s Love Bracelets

The Crowned in God`s Love Bracelets consist of wooden beads/crystal beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Bracelet Options:
1) Silver and pink crystal beads with diamante heart charm.
2) Dusty pink and grey wooden beads with diamante crown charm.

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

Crowned by Glory Bracelets Arms of Mercy NPC

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Grow in Grace Bracelets

The “Grow in Grace Bracelets” consist of wooden beads/crystal beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Bracelet Options:
1) Silver, clear & gold crystal beads with Unicorn charm.
2) Silver, white & gold wooden beads with Cross charm.
3) White & gold wooden beads with Flower & diamante Butterfly, and diamante Awareness Ribbon.

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

Grow in Grace Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

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Bath Bombs

These Bath bombs are made from 100% natural ingredients and promise to smell amazing. Bath bombs are perfect as a gift or just for yourself, to enjoy some down time..

Choose from the following fragrances: Rose, Rooibos, Spearmint, Mango, Vanilla, Lavender, Geranium, Lemon Grass. Shop Online

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Fundraising for Aldrich Kruger – Stage II Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cancer

Aldrich Kruger

Aldrich`s story:

Aldrich Kruger is a young boy from Mossel Bay who was diagnosed with Stage IV Papillary Thyroid Cancer in March 2020, which already spread to his lungs. His thyroid and lymph nodes had to be removed.

He receives Radio active Iodine treatment at the Red Cross Hospital; not chemo nor radiation works for this type of cancer. Aldrich receives treatment every 6 months, and goes into isolation whilst the treatment is given.

He has always been a very active boy, and loves sport and dancing. This has been difficult for him and his family, as he has to fight, and also go through a world pandemic.

Aldrich was recently re-diagnosed with Stage II Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cancer.

He will be chronic on eltroxin for the rest of his life.
He also struggles with eczema and requires medication for that too.

You can help us to lessen the financial burden by ordering his special “Hope and Faith” Bracelets – all proceeds are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference and help a child in need.

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Aldrich Kruger .

Follow his Facebook Page for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Aldrich Kruger

Hope and Faith Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Hope and Faith Bracelets

The “Hope and Faith Bracelets” for Aldrich consist of Turquoise, Pink and Lilac wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Diamante Awareness Ribbon / Cross / Mossie.

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

Hope and Faith Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

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Fundraising for Lyza Kennedy – Moebius Syndrome

Lyza Kennedy

Lyza`s story:

“Lyza Kennedy was 4 weeks old when she received her first operation as she could not feed on me. They gave her a Foley catheter in her tummy for me to feed her but she cried it out the next day and went back to NICU and theatre where she received a Mickey button. She has had 12 operations up to date. She was 1yr 7 months when they had the genetic assessment and then said it’s Moebius Syndrome.”

Moebius Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that is caused by the absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, which control eye movement and facial expression. Other cranial nerves may also be affected. There is no cure for Moebius syndrome, but proper care and treatment give many individuals a normal life expectancy. Learn more about Moebius Syndrome

“Lyza is currently on a ResMed machine as she some days forget to breath and loses consciousness. The ResMed machine is a loan product from Red Cross hospital where she received the machine and a back up battery.
She is often seeing a doctor as she is prone to infections.”

By supporting the AOM bracelet initiative you are helping to raise funds to contribute to Lyza`s 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: Lyza Kennedy.

Follow Help Lyza Smile on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Fundraising for Lyza Kennedy

Victorious in Faith Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Victorious in Faith Bracelets

The “Victorious in Faith” Bracelets for Lyza consist of purple and white wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Faith / Hope / Flower.

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

Victorious in Faith Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

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Fundraising for Liané Rossouw – Neuroblastoma Cancer

Liané Rossouw

Liané`s story:

Liané Rossouw (1 yr.) was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in December 2020 when she was only 8 months old. She was due to start her chemotherapy on the 19th of December, but she stopped breathing that morning. She was resuscitated and rushed to the pediatric ICU, and was on a ventilator for a little over a week.

The resuscitation caused extensive brain damage and has resulted in her losing her vision. The place where the tumour was, was also pressing against her spine causing the nerves in that area of the spine to die, which will never regrow, meaning Liané would never walk.

After the resuscitation, she completed 4 rounds of intensive chemotherapy. The chemo she had completed shrunk the tumour A LOT, but it was still active and still there.

We had a discussion with the doctors and we were given 3 choices:
1. Intensive chemotherapy which might help, but will make her extremely sick.
2. Less invasive chemotherapy which will just keep the tumour under control and slow down the spread.
3. No treatment.

We went with option 2, knowing that this chemotherapy is not designed to “cure” but to give us just a little bit more time.

Liané was scheduled to go for a MiBG scan in February 2021, but she was just too weak, so they canceled it. Since her last round of intensive chemotherapy, she completed 6 rounds of less invasive chemotherapy and she was strong enough to do the MiBG scan.

6 October 2021, we got to do the first part of the MiBG and then the second part the day after. I got to be with her while they did the scan. I asked the radiologist to explain to me what she is seeing on the scans if she can after the second day and she asked me quite a lot of questions regarding treatments, etc.

She could not find ANY tumour in Liané’s body. 12 October 2021, her doctors could confirm Liané was in remission and no active tumour can be seen or found in her body. LIANÉ HAS BEAT CANCER!!!

What do we do now?

Liané still needs to receive physio to improve her strength and movement. She still has the feeding tube. Her eyesight is improving and is reacting to lightness and darkness.

Liané has to go for blood tests to keep an eye on her for the next 6 months. She also has to do urine tests and she might do follow up scans to just keep an eye on it.

By supporting the AOM bracelet initiative you are helping to raise funds to contribute to Liané`s medical expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Liané Rossouw.

Follow Hope for Liané on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Fundraising for Liané Rossouw

Anchored in Hope Bracelets

The “Anchored in Hope” Bracelets for Liané consist of gold and pink wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Anchor / Hope / Hope-Awareness Ribbon.

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

Anchored in Hope Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

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Fundraising for Mason and Madison Jacobs – Cerebral Palsy

Mason and Madison Jacobs - Cerebral Palsy

Mason and Madison`s story:

“Mason and Madison Jacobs are twins who were born premature, weighing 1.6kg and 1.8 kg. Mason was in ICU for 3 weeks on a ventilator for oxygen. We realized when they were about 1 and 1/2years old that they were a bit slower with sitting and crawling than other kids. We also noticed that Mason`s left side is different and started with physio for the last 2 and 1/2 years.

Other problems started like chronic constipation that lead to a CT scan and lead to hemiplegia cerebral palsy, so we took them to a Specialist where we learned that both, Mason and Madison, has CP. They have gone for an MRI, hearing tests, EEG scan, botox injections, and still have to go to an Eye Specialist. They are going for physical therapy once a week. They just turned 4 on the 29th of March 2021 and are still not walking on their own. We are hoping that they will get stronger to walk with all the physio.”

Please support our fundraising efforts for Mason and Madison; all proceeds from the “Miracles and Magic” Bracelets are donated to their ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Mason and Madison

Fundraising for Mason and Madison Jacobs

Miracles and Magic Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Miracles and Magic Bracelets

The “Miracles and Magic” Bracelets for Mason and Madison consist of pink and turquoise coloured wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Cross / Letter M / Hope.

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

Miracles and Magic Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Miracles and Magic Bracelets

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Fundraising for Mikyla Pretorius – Juxtapapillary Retinal Capillary Hemangioma & Hydrocephalus

Mikyla Pretorius

Mikyla`s story:

Mikyla Pretorius – She epitomizes grit and determination.

Mikyla was unknowingly born with a condition called Acute Hydrocephalus 16 years ago, but has never let this stop her from attending mainstream schooling and achieving good marks in her grades. She is currently a 10th grade student at Goudveld High School in Welkom.

Late last year during the final exams of grade 9, Mikyla told her parents she is experiencing difficulty studying because something was disturbing her vision. After consulting a local optometrist and ophthalmologist, her parents Johan and Claudene decided to consult with Dr. Lynette Venter in Bloemfontein for further testing of the eyes and possible treatment options. Mikyla was diagnosed with Juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma — a rare eye condition. On Dr. Venter’s recommendation, Mikyla also had an MRI scan of her brain where it was discovered by Dr. Dan Hugo that she had Acute Hydrocephalus.

With both these conditions comes a great deal of difficulty in her life, and several operations will be required to get things back to a sense of normalcy. In order for her to have these though, a substantial amount of money will need to be raised, which is where your help is desperately needed.

After the eye condition was first discovered, Dr. Venter recommended that Mikyla receive a series of Avastin injections into both her eyes due to bleeding behind her left eye and the risk in her right eye. Mikyla returned to Dr Venter in March for her check-up and further tests were conducted. However, there was only a slight change in both eyes. Dr Venter recommended further treatment, namely laser treatment followed by eye surgery. She also discovered that there was a certain amount of new bleeding behind the left eye.

Mikyla has to put an enormous amount of effort into completing her school work, often working late into the night and early morning. She is prone to headaches, migraines and nausea and lately is feeling immense pressure in her brain. Both Dr. Venter and Dr. Hugo have been extremely accommodating and they have arranged that if sufficient money can be raised, the laser eye treatment will take place on the 18th of March and the brain operation will take place in late May this year.

In between, Mikyla hopes to continue her education as classes are very important to her. To add to all their woes, Johan lost his job in June 2020 and is working alongside his wife in Web Development from home. In the hope of raising some of the funds, he is arranging a Charity Golf Day with the support of Brand Mashie Golf Course. The date will be advised. All previous costs, in excess of R50,000, have been covered with the help of family, friends, a local church in Odendaalsrus, and by the Grace of God.

For the next two operations, they need to raise a minimum of R220,000 for the operations to take place. If YOU can help with any donation they will be eternally grateful. They have already arranged with an Advocate in Pretoria that if they manage to raise any additional funds, these funds will be used for other young people with the same type of conditions.

Please open you heart and support our fundraising initiative; all proceeds are donated to Mikyla`s ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Mikyla Pretorius.

Follow Mikyla Hulpfonds on Facebook for live updates on her progress and journey.

Fundraising for Mikyla Pretorius

See God`s Beauty Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

See God`s Beauty Bracelets

The “See God`s Beauty” Bracelets for Mikyla consist of coloured wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers. Bracelet options:
1) White with Hope charm
2) Dark purple with love charm
3) White, purple & black mix with diamante flower

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

See God`s Beauty Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
See God`s Beauty Bracelets

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Fundraising for Dihandré van Staden – Craniosynostosis-scaphocephaly

Dihandré van Staden

Dihandré`s story:

“Dihandré was born 4 November 2020, a very healthy boy weighing a full 3.2 kg and 52cm. At birth I noticed something strange about Dihandré; his head was weirdly shaped, not round-shaped like a normal baby’s head. His head also had some kind of riff like his skull bones grew over each other, so I asked the nurses at the Hospital and they said that it is normal and it will be the way it is supposed to be when he turns 6 weeks. So I left it there.

On 11 February 2021 we took Dihandré to the Pediatrician in Potchefstroom, who immediately said that it is not normal and we should go for an MRI scan. He was booked for an MRI scan on 18 February. Praying the whole time that the results will come back clean and that nothing is wrong with the little one. Nervousness ate me and my family for the results. We waited patiently. The results came back: Craniosynostosis-scaphocephaly.

Craniosynostosis-scaphocephaly is when a baby’s head fuse in the mother`s womb, meaning there is no fontanel. His brain can’t grow and this means that he can get fog on his brain which can cause brain damage, blindness and worst case scenario death.

Dihandré had surgery where they cut out a part of his skull to make space for his brain to grow and is doing well. He has to wear a helmet for 6 months – 1 year to protect him from bumping his head.”

Follow his Facebook page for live updates on his progress and journey.

By supporting our fundraiser for Dihandré you can make a positive difference in his life – all proceeds from the “Sweetest Love” bracelets are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN change the world, and help a child in need!

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

Fundraising for Dihandré van Staden

Sweetest Love Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Sweetest Love Bracelets

The “Sweetest Love” bracelets for Dihandré consist of wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.

Colour Options: black / grey / black & grey mix.

Charm Options: cross / ribbon / heart.

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

Sweetest Love Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Sweetest Love Bracelets

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Fundraising for Louis Taylor – Rare Genetic Disorder

Louis Taylor

“Hi there; my name is Louis Taylor; and this is my story:

I came into this world on 21 November 2014 by Caesarean section at St Georges Hospital in Port Elizabeth. Mom and Dad was elated to meet me. I gave them a huge fright when mere hour after my delivery, I was transferred to the NICU for observation and tests because my doctor was concerned that the tremors, I exhibited, could be seizures. A lot of testing and scanning did not produce any satisfactory answers.

The testing and prodding went on for years amid speculation on Angelman Syndrome, Coffin Siris syndrome, and signs of Autism. The eventual conclusion was that I have a rare, yet unnamed break in my DNA; 6q25.3q26(162291555) x1; to be exact. My folks decided not to pursue further testing that would merely satisfy academic curiosity; but instead focus on helping me reach my full potential.

Together we faced several difficulties starting with the 2 hernias I was born with of which one reoccurred. As a baby I suffered from, and is still prone to severe constipation, I also acquired a very unpleasant reflux reaction to food and drink; to the extent that I was hospitalized for Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy and Barium Swallow; challenging my parents to find foods and drinks suitable for me. I require chronic medication because I am easily excited, prone to Epileptic seizures, and struggle to sleep properly at night.

I am now 7 years old. I have severe developmental delays, I am nonverbal, I still wear diapers, use a sippy cup. need lots of special things like a Special needs School environment, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy and Pool therapy; which is why our very dear friend Monique Kitching recommended us to Arms of Mercy NPC for financial assistance.

Thank you for reading my story.”

By supporting our fundraising initiative you can help raise funds for Louis` ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Louis Taylor.

Fundraising for Louis Taylor


Eternal Love Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Eternal Love Bracelets

The “Eternal Love” Bracelets for Louis consist of denim blue wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Love & Faith / Infinity / Joy.

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

Eternal Love Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Eternal Love Bracelets

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Fundraising for Leonardo Cassels – Spastic Cerebral Palsy and Asthma

Leonardo Cassels

Leonardo`s story:

Leonardo Cassels was born on the 4th of November 2018. Mom and baby Leonardo were kept in hospital because he could not suck properly on her breast, which lead him to be admitted to high care for a full week.

After their release from hospital they came home but Leonardo didn`t cry or acted like any normal, healthy child would. His weight gain was slow so mom decided to take him off breast milk because she thought the milk was not good for him, not knowing that he has cerebral palsy. Leonardo loved to keep his legs near his stomach but she didn’t take note as she thought it’s colic.

She took him to hospital on the 11th of March 2019 looking for answers. The doctor then explained to her that Leonardo has brain damage and he may never be able to walk or talk; but she didn’t lose hope and took him for physio, O.T and he went for a CT scan. She also went to see a Specialist who explained to her how to treat him, and which foods to give to keep him strong and ensure that his brain keeps growing.

Mom gives him physio at home and cares for him herself as there simply is not enough financial resources for more therapy and treatments. He can’t swallow well so he is on soft food and he still drinks milk. His weight gain is very slow, and he also has asthma.

Please open you heart and support our fundraising initiative; all proceeds are donated to Leonardo`s ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Leonardo Cassels.

Fundraising for Leonardo Cassels

Dreams Come True Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Dreams Come True Bracelets

The “Dreams Come True” Bracelets for Leonardo consist of purple wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Dream / Cross / Love.

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

Dreams Come True Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Dreams Come True Bracelets

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Fundraising for Marius Ferreira – Cerebral Palsy and Microcephaly

Marius Ferreira

Marius` story:

Marius Ferreira was born on 28 weeks, weighing 1.1kg. He became really sick 2 weeks after his birth, so bad that the doctors said he won’t make it. But God had a purpose and he pulled through .

Throughout the years, he’s been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Microcephaly, Epilepsy, and he is tube-fed. He had broken both his legs and an arm due to poor bone density and epileptic fits. He is quite often admitted to hospital, due to aspirations or infections.

Marius has special needs, he uses a special formulated feed, and can’t eat per mouth. He has a list of Specialists (Neurologist, Orthopedic surgeon, Pediatrician, ENT specialist, Paediatric Surgeon and a Gastroenterologist) who he needs to see twice a year, sometimes more. He also needs to see a Speech Therapist and an Occupational Therapist every month. 

His monthly expenses are quite high and they constantly need to raise funds for him, due to his medical expenses and bills. He has chronic medicine and also a handful of vitamins and supplements that he needs to take.

Marius is a tough little fighter, has been through so much, but he always has a smile on his sweet little face. He is now a 7 year old happy boy, even with his daily challenges.

Please open your heart and support our fundraiser for Marius, we CAN make a significant difference in his precious life. All proceeds from his “Believe in Angels” Bracelets are donated towards his 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: Marius Ferreira.

Join Helping Baby Marius on Facebook for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Marius Ferreira

Believe in Angels Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Believe in Angels Bracelets

The “Believe in Angels” Bracelets for Marius consist of white, turquoise and purple wooden beads with crystals, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Angel / Cross / Faith.

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

Believe in Angels Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Believe in Angels Bracelets

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Fundraising for Blake Griesel – Spastic Tetraplegia Cerebral Palsy with Strabismus

Blake Griesel

Blake`s story:

In 2018 Blake`s mom got ill with the Coxsackievirus during her pregnancy of him and his sister. During this time they found out there was an excess amount of amniotic fluid in Blake’s side of the sack. At 25 weeks pregnant Blake’s mom saw a foetal Specialist that did drainage of 2 litres of amniotic fluid to try prevent preterm labor. Blake and his sister were born at 27 weeks due to placenta rupturing and they drained an additional 10 litres of amniotic fluid from his side. During the delivery both Blake and his sister were immediately taken to NNICU where they were both stabilized.

Blake Griesel was born weighing 1.3kg. During his NNICU stay he was being treated for Jaundice as well as grade 2 bleeding on the brain. He had also received numerous blood transfusions during this time. He was on a CPAP breathing machine for most of his 60 day stay as his one lung was struggling to get oxygen (there was a chance that he wasn’t going to make it home). Due to the tightness and pressure from the CPAP machine the sternum of his nose were pushed high up so that it was not visible, causing the one side of his nose to collapse a bit.

At his 1 year checkup the Sister doing his vaccinations suggested he get seen by a Paediatrician as she suspected Cerebral Palsy (CP). An appointment was made with the Paediatrician who confirmed the family’s biggest fears. He referred Blake’s parents to get an MRI scan done, and confirmed the severity of the diagnosis.

Blake’s parents set out with physio and occupational therapy and the Neurologist to try get early intervention.
He will need splint boots to aid his feet and legs. Blake is on various chronic medications to help him and he will need more MRI’s along with Neurologist appointments every 6 months along with botox injections as well as speech therapy to help him with communication. The medical aid does not want to cover his medication or neurologist bills, and only covers a third of his therapy bills.

He was also diagnosed at 32 weeks with R.O.P. having him go for corrective surgery a week after being discharged from NNICU. He will need glasses as he has Strabismus, unfortunately also partially paid by medical aid.

With everything that has happened, Blake’s parents have been unable to keep up with all the costs involved, with everything that has happened with Covid-19 these bills have become even more difficult to pay, resulting in a few missed sessions of OT and Physio because they cannot afford the sessions anymore.

Funds are needed for his medication as well as Neurologist appointments, MRI scans, boot splints, mobility devices, botox injections, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, surgery on his nose to help him breathe properly, glasses and eye appointments.

Please open your heart and support our fundraising initiative, all proceeds are donated towards Blake`s medical bills. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Blake Griesel.

Update 8 March 2021: “Blake has received his splint boots as well as his glasses and is adjusting well to all the changes. We are now in the process of trying to get him a mobility device that will work with him for a few years. This is going to be tricky as he does not like his current stroller and he screams when being placed in it. We are continuing with physio, OT, and have begun speech therapy. We are hoping that the OT will help in regards to being in his stroller as he is getting to heavy to carry. Since Blake has gotten his glasses, he has become more vocal and is even trying to say a few words. In May we are seeing the neurologist again and will have to go for MRI, hip x-rays and a possibility of botox. From there we will find out more about his medication and any other information going forward.”

Follow his Facebook Page for live updates on his progress and journey.

Fundraising for Blake Griesel

Anchored in Love Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

The “Anchored in Love” Bracelets for Blake consist of turquoise and white wooden beads with crystals, silver and diamante fillers. Charm options: Anchor / Hope / Tree of Life Heart.

The Anchored in Love Men`s Bracelet consist of black wooden beads and one Turquoise precious stone bead.

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

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

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Anchored in Love Men`s Bracelet © Arms of Mercy NPC
Anchored in Love Men`s Bracelets

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Fundraising for Kihané Stapelberg – Intractable Epilepsy

Kihané Stapelberg

Kihané`s story:

Kihané Stapelberg is a beautiful, busy and sweet 5 year old girl from Hartebeespoort in the North West Province. She had her first seizure on the 27th of August 2019, and the following year was filled with many obstacles that she had to overcome.

She has intractable epilepsy, nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, and temporal lobe epilepsy. Intractable epilepsy is when seizures can’t be controlled by medicines, and is not easily managed or relieved. Kihané does not respond to medication as she needs to, and on top of that, all the current medications are causing issues with her stomach as well so she needs medication to sort out all of the problems and side-effects.

Her epilepsy has caused damage and she needs to go for intense speech therapy and occupational therapy in 2021. She also needs to get rescue IV medication almost once a week to control her seizures. It is a daily battle and a big ongoing financial expense.

Please open your heart and support our fundraising initiative, all proceeds are donated towards Kihané`s ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we can change the world, one bracelet at a time!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: “Kihané Stapelberg”.

Fundraising for Kihané Stapelberg

Dare to Dream Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Dare to Dream Bracelets

The “Dare to Dream” Bracelets for Kihané consist of purple wooden beads with crystals, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Diamante Cross / Dream / Awareness Ribbon.

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

Dare to Dream Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Dare to Dream Bracelets

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Fundraising for Ruhandre Opperman – Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Lung Disease

Ruhandre Opperman

Ruhandre`s story:

“Ruhandre Opperman was born at 24 weeks on 4 November 2020 as a micro prem baby who weighed 684g and was 31.5cm tall. He stayed in hospital for a period of 201 days in total which he was most of the time on oxygen. During this time he was diagnosed with Chronic Lung disease and Laryngomalacia. He spent the first 2 and a half months only on intravenous feeding due to being misdiagnosed for Esophageal Atresia in the first month. Due to this his stomach was not used to any milk and aspirated the feedings. This led to not gaining any weight in the first two months.

During the last few months of his stay in hospital they diagnosed him with severe reflux and aspiration to the lungs which led to him receiving a Nissan’s operation and a Mickey button for feeding through the stomach. Due to aspiration his lungs were not healing properly. He gained weight very slowly and had to fight severe infections like septicaemia. With a lot of medication, blood transfusions and blood platelets, he eventually healed and got to come home.

He has been home since the end of May 2021, with a couple of hospital stays after that but He has since grown into this little precious person with the biggest smile and personality. Truly one of God’s greatest miracles.

During December 2022 he was hospitalized again for Adenoviral Pneumonia and Haemophilus Influenza and was transferred to the Nelson Mandela Children Hospital in Johannesburg. There he was placed on oxygen again due to his oxygen levels falling to below 85 when sleeping. He received a couple of tests for the severe reflux and for his oxygen they diagnosed him with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. During this time they have also diagnosed him with Cerebral Palsy. The extent of this will only be properly looked at in February 2023 when he will go back to hospital for the Laryngomalacia to have his tonsils removed. He will also then be transferred to a Rehabilitation centre close to the hospital for an unknown period of time to assist him with becoming mobile like sitting, crawling, walking and eating.

Currently his parents are not completely sure if he would require any possible equipment for mobility, ongoing physio and speech therapy and medical costs that is not covered by the medical aid. Any and all donations will be highly appreciated to assist them financially.”

Please open your heart and support our fundraiser for Ruhandre – all proceeds from the “Restored by Grace” and “Forever in Faith” bracelets are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference!

Alternatively, please consider a donation; any and all donations welcome. REF: Ruhandre Opperman.

Fundraising for Ruhandre Opperman

Restored by Grace Bracelets

The “Restored by Grace” Bracelets for Ruhandre consist of beige, white and grey wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Cross / Diamante Butterfly / Hope-Awareness Ribbon.

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

Restored by Grace Bracelets - Arms of Mercy NPC
Restored by Grace Bracelets

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Forever in Faith Bracelets

The “Forever in Faith” Bracelets for Ruhandre consist of turquoise wooden beads with crystals, silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options:
Diamante Infinity / Faith / Hope.

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

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

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Fundraising for Zelmarie Venter – Right Hemiplegic and Speech Appraxia

Zelmarie Venter

Zelmarie`s story:

Zelmarie Venter was born at 35 weeks with an oxygen problem. The umbilical cord was wrapped once around her neck, and she had to stay in NICU for 3 weeks before she could go home.

“The doctors never gave the impression that she will have problems or that there are any problems. She was kept in NICU because she was struggling to suck and swallow her milk. As the months went by we came to realize that she was behind on her milestones. She was always stiff on her right side. She only sat by herself at 1 year and 1 month and never crawled. She only started to walk when she was 2 years and 8 months old.

Zelmarie is turning 5 years old in April 2022. We don’t have a Medical Aid, and through people we knew and met, ended up taking her for Therapy at New Hope School without a formal diagnosis, and she is progressing well there. They recommended a Paediatrician who saw her once and diagnosed her as Right Hemiplegic and Speech Appraxia.

Her case is not as severe as other children with the same diagnosis and the therapists think that with time she will get better. She has been to a Paedatric Neurologist, which was paid for by a good Samaritan, but that was just an ordinary 1st examination. No scans have been done yet.

At this stage, there are no urgent doctor visits that need to happen, however, we do need to take x-rays of her hips to see if it is okay. We also had her eyes tested and they said that she is nearsighted at the moment but that should return to normal by itself. I hope to be able to get the transport and opportunity in the future to send her for a CT Scan to get more clarity about her diagnosis. We as her parents want to make her life better and easier but we both are only temporarily employed and we do not have a Medical aid.”

Please open your heart and support our bracelet initiative – all proceeds from her “Walking with Butterflies” bracelets are donated towards Zelmarie`s ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a positive difference in her life!

Alternatively, please consider a donation. Any and all donations are welcome. REF: Zelmarie Venter.

Fundraising for Zelmarie Venter

Walking with Butterflies Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC

Walking with Butterflies Bracelets

The “Walking with Butterflies” Bracelets for Zelmarie consist of pink and purple wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.

Charm options: Diamante Butterfly / Tree of Life / Bible.

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

Walking with Butterflies Bracelets © Arms of Mercy NPC
Walking with Butterflies Bracelets

Shop Online