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Rest in Peace: Eliana Snyders

rest in peace eliana snyders

At 08:35 this morning, Eliana Snyders, went home to Jesus. Her little body had been through so much. She fought an incredible fight against brain stem damage and epilepsy, showing a strength far beyond her tiny body.

Today, our hearts are broken. But our hearts ache most deeply for Eliana’s Mommy and Daddy.

Dear Mommy and Daddy, there are no words that can make this pain disappear. No words can fill the emptiness left behind when you lose your precious child. You fought for your daughter with everything you had.

You prayed.
You hoped.
You held her close.
You stood beside her.
You loved her through every difficult moment.
And Eliana knew that love.
She was cherished.
She was wanted.
She was prayed over.
She was never alone.

You were her safe place. You were her home.

Today, you had to say goodbye to the little girl you would have given anything to keep.

And although our hearts are filled with sorrow, we hold tightly to the promise that Eliana is now with Jesus, free from the suffering her little body endured.

No more seizures.
No more pain.
No more fighting.
No more suffering.

Only peace in the presence of her Saviour.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4

Mommy and Daddy, may Jesus hold you especially close today.
May He carry you through every tear, every memory and every moment when the grief feels too heavy to bear.

And when you miss your baby girl more than words can express, remember this:
Her life mattered.
Her fight mattered.
Her story mattered.
And she will forever be your daughter.

Her time on earth was far too short, but the love you shared with her will never disappear.

Rest peacefully, precious Eliana.

Your fight is over, little warrior.
You are safe in the arms of Jesus.

Rest in heavenly peace,
Eliana Snyders: 14 May 2024 – 6 September 2026

With love, prayers and deepest sympathy,
Arms of Mercy

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Eliana’s Fight: A Plea for Hope and Healing

eliana's journey fundraiser arms of mercy

Our faith remains strong: God is in control.

Eliana Snyders, born healthy, began experiencing alarming startle movements at just weeks old. Diagnosed with infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia (epilepsy), her journey has been a relentless battle. What we believed was a victory over the initial diagnosis quickly turned into a series of escalating seizures, breathing difficulties, and emergency hospitalizations.

Insurance hurdles compounded our distress. We faced a R162,500 loan to secure Eliana’s critical ICU care when insurance denied coverage. During her extended hospital stay, we were told three times to prepare for the worst. Doctors diagnosed catastrophic, drug-resistant epilepsy and identified brain stem damage. Eliana now relies on a feeding tube and oxygen.

Despite these challenges, a miracle occurred: her seizures lessened. However, setbacks persist, with recurring cycles of seizures. We’ve added specialized medication, navigating complex approvals and out-of-pocket expenses due to insurance exclusions.

Eliana needs a PEG tube for safe feeding and medication administration, a crucial step toward exploring a ketogenic diet, which offers potential relief. The estimated R200,000 surgery must be paid in cash.

At nearly nine months old, Eliana’s development is that of a newborn. She hasn’t experienced laughter, play, or typical milestones. Furthermore, my employment was terminated in totality, impacting our finances further to care for Eliana and manage her extensive medical team.

We believe in Eliana’s healing and the purpose of her life. We trust God will provide the necessary resources. Eliana’s story will be a testament to His greatness.

How You Can Hep

We urgently need financial assistance to cover Eliana’s PEG tube surgery, ongoing medical expenses, and specialized therapies (Palliative Dr, Pediatrician, Neurologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Neuro-Physiotherapist, Pediatric Surgeon, and Dietician).

Your generous support will provide Eliana with the chance to access potentially life-saving treatments and improve her quality of life.

Please join us in supporting Eliana’s fight. Your prayers, shares, and donations make a world of difference.

Eliana's Journey Bracelets - Arms of Mercy NPC

Support a little one’s fight with our Eliana’s Journey Bracelets; featuring a gentle blend of sunny yellow and pure white wooden beads, representing warmth and innocence, interspersed with sparkling crystal, silver and diamante accents. Choose between a ‘Tree of Life’ heart charm or a diamante crown, knowing that each bracelet supports a precious baby in need. Your purchase brings a ray of light to their journey. Proceeds are donated towards her ongoing medical expenses.

Make a Donation

Account Holder: Arms of Mercy NPC
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Type: Cheque Account
Account Number: 10114699702
Branch Code: 051001
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
REF: ELIANA SNYDERS

Alternatively, make a donation online with Payfast.