Divan Conway is a 11 year old boy who was diagnosed with Lissencephaly (smooth brain), Cerebral Palsy, and Epilepsy (West Syndrome). He currently weighs 40kg, he can not walk or talk at all, and his mother has to carry him everywhere.
Divan suffers from extreme cerebral palsy therefore he cannot walk or sit on his own nor can he speak. As a result of constantly being in bed he developed chronic lung damage. He will be using nappies for the rest of his life and therefore also linen savers.
Due to his special needs, mom had to leave her job to take care of him.
Divan has epilepsy and has 5/6 fits on a daily basis, and is on six types of medication: Epilim, Keppra, Sabril, Rivotril, Epanutin and Ativan. The epilepsy is extremely challenging to control.
He regularly contracts infection in his lungs due to all the mucus and lack of movement, and has been admitted to hospital repeatedly for Acute Upper Respiratory infection. Mom has to clean his throat and nose with a suction machine to remove all the mucus that he doesn’t swallow. Divan has a feeding tube because he can’t eat and drink, and can only consume milk and water. He also struggles with bladder infections because his bladder does not get rid of all the urine. It is mom`s duty to empty his bladder for him at home using catheters.
Please open your heart and support our fundraiser for Divan by purchasing any of his “Little Soldier” bracelets, “Hope for Divan” bracelets or key ring. All proceeds are donated towards his ongoing medical are and expenses – together we CAN make a difference in their lives!
Alternatively, please consider a donation, any and all donations welcome. REF: Divan Conway.
It was with such sadness and a heavy heart that I need to inform you that our brave little princess, Isabella Visser, ran into the arms of Jesus last night. The battle with Spastic Tetraplegia Cerebral Palsy and Epileptic Encephalopathy is over and she is at peace now and free from pain.
To Isabella`s family: Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your baby girl. We pray that the light of God’s love shines upon you as you face the darkness of your pain and your grief. Know that God will never forsake you. He will always look after you because you are His child and He is your Father. May you be blessed with the peace and comfort that you seek during this difficult time.
May God give you all the Grace to accept what has happened and the serenity to carry on living.
Karin Harmse & AOM Team.
Isabella`s “Angel of Light” bracelets will be available until the 15th of July 2022. Wear yours in memory of a brave little girl who fought until the bitter end, and who was loved by so many. Order from our agents or shop online.
“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
The “Miracles and Magic” Bracelets for Mason and Madison consist of pink and turquoise coloured wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.
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
The “Dreams Come True” Bracelets for Leonardo consist of purple wooden beads with silver and diamante fillers.
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
The “Believe in Angels” Bracelets for Marius consist of white, turquoise and purple wooden beads with crystals, silver and diamante fillers.
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.”
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.
“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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“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
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
“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 Palsywith 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
Absolute Miracle Bracelets for Diandrè consist of turquoise and gold wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.
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
You are Precious Bracelets for Brayden consist of dark grey, white and green wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.
Janu Swart, from Klerksdorp, was born premature at 29 weeks. He had a birth weight of 1.29kg and thrived, but by the time he was 10 months old he could not sit on his own yet and seemed floppy. Janu was only diagnosed at the age of 3 with Cerebral Palsy, due to Periventricular Leukomalacia. In February 2017 he started having seizures, and was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Janu is now 5 years old, he has visual problems and gross motor skills are impaired. He still can’t sit by himself or walk, and remains on epilepsy medication. He is seeing an occupational therapist once a week, and his speech improved remarkably since having neuro-development therapy.
Janu is in a school with a caretaker that goes with him and otherwise his mom takes care of him. He is attending a normal school because his speech improved so much, even though he struggles with writing and fine motor skills. It would be ideal for him to have a computer with a special keyboard to assist him in his learning process.
Janu is using a walker but needs his own walker that can assist him with independent walking. To get to that point, he would have to get foot and ankle orthosis (afo’s), which the medical aid doesn’t fund. He will have to undergo botox for his legs in the near future, and might be a good candidate for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, which is only done in Cape Town or America.
Stem-cell therapy would also improve his gross motor skills and can make a big difference in his life. Another option is Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) which can improve spacticity in his legs. In the meantime he started with swimming therapy and is showing improvement.
Janu is such a friendly, happy child and gives everyone compliments. He is surely a CP warrior, constantly proving doctors wrong with his development.
Fundraising for Janu Swart
Puzzle of my Heart Bracelets
Puzzle of my Heart Bracelets for Janu; consisting of light grey & white wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.
Hein Müller is a 13 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy. He is very delayed in all his development milestones and needs 24 hour care and supervision. He was able to walk a few years ago, but sustained a serious injury on his knee after a bad fall accident, and for that reason he can no longer walk. However, Hein has taught himself to walk on his knees and that is how he moves around all day.
In 2020 Hein had major surgery on both his legs, some of the procedures done on his legs: * Knee extensions and that needs to be taken out. * Removal of his patella in one knee * Both his ankles had screws put in.
In February 2022 Hein had the plates and screws removed from his legs. He also had new screws put in to manipulate the growth of his left leg.
Hein’s legs are very weak, he needs Physiotherapy to help him get his legs stronger for the chance to stand or walk one day. He cannot move on his own anymore and is fully dependent on a wheelchair.
Please open your heart and support our fundraising initiative for Hein. All profits from the “Unstoppable Bracelets” are donated towards his ongoing medical care and therapy.Together we CAN make a positive difference in his life!
Alternatively, please consider a donation. Any and all donations welcome. REF: Hein Muller.
“Mikayla Brown was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when she was 9 months old. She is unable to talk, sit, crawl or walk; unable to do anything for herself. When she was diagnosed, mom had to leave her job in order to take care of her. Mikayla has four other siblings and her dad is the only breadwinner in the house.
She has been attending intensive therapy as well as Oxygen therapy at Neurogenesis in Fourways Johannesburg. These therapies are mainly sponsored.
Mikayla has epilepsy and has to go for regular check-ups at a Government hospital where they provide her with medication because there is no medical aid. She also has Cortical Visual Impairment, but her vision has improved because of the Oxygen therapy. We would like however for Mikayla to receive more ongoing therapy as well as Oxygen therapy as we have seen so much progress but we are unfortunately not able to send her now as funds are a bit low. It was discovered that Mikayla now has a left hip dislocation by X-rays. We pray it gets sorted out as soon as possible and we are hopeful.”
Mikayla and her family depend on sponsors and fundraising to be able to provide for her ongoing therapy, as well as additional equipment when needed. The are trying every possible way to assist Mikayla reach her full potential.
Please support our fundraising initiative for Mikayla – all proceeds of her bracelets (see below) are donated towards her ongoing medical care and expenses. Together we CAN make a difference – one bracelet at a time!
Alternatively, please consider a donation. Any and all donations welcome. REF: Mikayla Brown.
Fundraising for Mikayla Brown
Hope for Mikayla Bracelets
“Hope for Mikayla” Bracelets consist of pink and black wooden beads with crystal, silver and diamante fillers.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you all that our sweet baby, Hayley, grew her angel wings yesterday, 19 June 2019 at 17:45. She fought a hard battle and her small little body could not take it anymore.
Sincerest Sympathy to the family during this difficult time. May the warm beautiful memories of your baby girl, wash over you in this time and stay with you forever. – Arms of Mercy Team
Noah Smit is a 7-year-old boy from De Doorns in the Western Cape who was diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy– dystonic & spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. At the young age of 1 and a half years, the Neurologist said he would probably need an electronic device to communicate, and that he won`t be able to walk or talk.
Noah communicates through sounds, babbling and pointing. He can say a few words like car, cat, dad, and grandpa – but he still can not sit, stand or walk. Noah is a bright young boy and there is nothing wrong with his comprehension, but he is trapped in a spastic body with a mind of its own.
He needs daily therapy, but only receives therapy once or twice a month, as this is all that the family can afford at the moment. They are hoping to take him to America or Greece for SPML – Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening – a type of minimally invasive surgery utilized to relieve tension from muscle spasticity; used to treat children who have CP. This treatment is not a miracle, but can be life-changing for him as this will reduce the spasticity, possibly give his body time to learn how to sit or crawl or walk – and will allow time for the brain to rewire.
Mom doesn’t have to look after him full-time anymore as Noah spends half-day in a Special Needs Center in Worcester. Dad still works full-time to provide for the family.
Please open your heart to Noah and his family by supporting our fundraiser. All proceeds from the “Hope for Noah Bracelets” and the “Strength through Faith Bracelets” are donated towards his ongoing medical care and expenses where needed. Together we can make a difference in Noah`s life and give him a chance at a brighter future.
Alternatively, please consider a donation. Any and all donations welcome. REF: Noah Smit.
Cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that can affect posture and many aspects of daily life. Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by damage or abnormal development in parts of the brain that control movement. These events can happen before, during, or shortly after birth or in the first few years of life, when the brain is still developing. In many cases the exact cause is unknown.
CP is a permanent but non-progressive condition that does not get worse as a child grows into adulthood. Except in cases where a baby is born with serious health problems, it is not considered a life-threatening disability, and most infants who are diagnosed with CP live normal life spans.
Causes of CP that occur before birth include: damage to the brain`s white matter, abnormal brain development, bleeding in the brain and lack of oxygen in the brain.
Although there have been no general studies of life expectancy in people with cerebral palsy, most children affected live between 30-70 years, depending on the severity of their condition.
Cerebral Palsy Types & Common Symptoms
The four main types of cerebral palsy include: Spastic, Athetoid, Ataxic and Mixed. The type is classified based on mobility limitations and the body parts affected. Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms related to each type.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy:
Awkward reflexes
Stiffness in one part of the body
Contractures (permanently tightened muscles or joints)
Abnormal gait
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy:
Stiff or rigid body
Floppiness in the limbs
Problems with posture
Issues feeding
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:
Difficulty speaking
Problems with depth perception
Shakiness and tremors
Spreading feet apart when walking
Mixed Cerebral Palsy:
Exaggerated, jerky movements
Abnormal reflexes
Poor posture
Tremors or shakiness
Issues with coordination
Treatment
Individuals with CP require long-term care with a team of therapists for ongoing physical therapy, occupational- and speech therapy, and developmental therapy among a list of others. Mobility aids and assistive devices can also be used to help increase independence for those living with cerebral palsy. There is currently no cure for CP, but the condition is manageable with proper treatment and continuous loving care.
Research on stem cell therapy is developing at a rapid pace. The hope is that in the future, some type of stem cell therapy may help children with CP by replacing injured nerve cells that can take over the function of the damaged areas of the brain. As more information becomes available from carefully conducted scientific studies, this therapy may prove useful for children with cerebral palsy.
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is celebrated every year in March as an awareness campaign to express support for the ones suffering from Cerebral Palsy. World Cerebral Palsy Day is on the 6th of October, and is represented by the green awareness ribbon. World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with cerebral palsy and their families, and the organisations that support them, in more over 65 countries. Their vision is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in society. Learn more about Wold CP Day.
*All information/posts on this blog is published for general information and educational purposes only. Arms of Mercy NPC and the armsofmercy.org.za website will not be held liable for any adverse health effects, losses and/or damages whatsoever. Any action you take as a result of the information is at your own risk, and does not replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. Always consult with your medical healthcare practitioner.
Charm a Child
Supporting Arms of Mercy is an opportunity to help give a child a better quality life, and a brighter future. Together we can change the world!
Deliveries: Please note that items are made by hand and on-order. Delivery may take between 7 and 14 working days after payment has cleared in our bank account. Direct Bank Transfers: Should we not receive payment or POP within 3 days the order will unfortunately be cancelled on our system. Shipping Policy
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