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
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.
