Tag: epilepsy

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Join Anru’s Support Circle: Help Cover His Medical Care and Diagnostic Testing

anru steenkamp fundraiser

Anru Steenkamp’s journey with epilepsy began at just nine months old, and while the condition was managed for several years, his health took a complex turn in late 2025. By January 2026, Anru was diagnosed with two additional types of epilepsy and two brain cysts. Specialists have determined that draining the cysts is too high-risk due to their proximity to major blood vessels. Despite various medication adjustments, Anru continues to suffer from seizures three to four times a week.

Recent developments have shifted the focus toward genetic research. Although initial tests in 2024 were dismissed, a Specialist in March 2026 identified a rare genetic mutation. This variant is so new that experts are still studying its effects, but it could hold the key to understanding Anru’s seizures and his autism, which was diagnosed in April 2025. To move forward, his parents must also undergo genetic testing. However, because the samples must be couriered to the United States, the costs are currently prohibitive.

Anru turns four this May. He also faces developmental delays, hyperactivity, and sensory processing challenges. His restricted diet requires nutritional supplements, and he frequently requires speech and occupational therapy. The family’s savings have been exhausted by the ongoing costs of private Specialist visits, chronic medication co-payments, and essential therapies.

To provide Anru with the necessary care and reach a definitive diagnosis, funds are required to cover specialised genetic testing courier fees, regular consultations with a Paediatric Neurologist and Paediatrician, and essential weekly occupational therapy sessions. Additionally, support is needed for his monthly nutritional supplements, sleep medication, and the recurring co-payments for his chronic epilepsy treatment. These resources are fundamental to ensuring Anru receives the consistent medical intervention and therapeutic support he requires.

Medical Fundraiser – How You Can Help

If Anru’s story has touched your heart, please consider making a donation today. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support his healing journey.

We have also launched a heartfelt bracelet project to help raise funds for his ongoing medical expenses. Purchase a bracelet today and join his circle of hope and support!

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: ANRU STEENKAMP

Alternatively, make a donation online with Payfast.

Anru's Healing Journey Bracelets

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Beyond Sight: Supporting Ayva-Lee’s Fight Against Severe Epilepsy

Arms of Mercy NPC Fundraiser Ayva-Lee Engelbrecht

Our hearts are heavy as we share the story of precious five-month-old Ayva-Lee Engelbrecht, recently diagnosed with a severe and rare form of cerebral epilepsy. Adding to this, our little princess is also blind, her world limited to the perception of light. This devastating news has turned her loving family’s lives upside down.

Initial tests indicate Ayva-Lee’s epilepsy is likely neurological, a more complex and challenging path than a metabolic condition. The crucial chromosome and genetic test results that will provide a clearer understanding are still pending and will take time. In the meantime, doctors are diligently adjusting her medication, hoping to achieve stability. The longing to return home to her son and husband weighs heavily on Ayva-Lee’s devoted mommy, Alicia, who remains by her side in the hospital, waiting for at least three seizure-free days.

Once the vital test results are in, neurologist Dr. Aduc will provide a detailed explanation of Ayva-Lee’s condition and guide the next steps. Her mommy had to step away from her job to provide the constant care Ayva-Lee needs, placing immense emotional and financial pressure on the family.

While she remains in the hospital, we are incredibly relieved that her current medication is working well. The plan upon their return home involves careful monitoring and gradual adjustments to her treatment, including at-home EEG monitoring, allowing Ayva-Lee to be in the comfort of her own bed.

We believe in the strength and compassion of our Arms of Mercy community. Please, will you stand with us for Ayva-Lee? Your support can help this little princess get the answers she desperately needs and access the best possible treatment.

If Ayva-Lee’s story has touched your heart, please consider making a donation using the banking details below. We have also launched a heartfelt bracelet project to help raise funds for her ongoing medical expenses to further support her journey. Please keep baby Ayva-Lee and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

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: Ayva-Lee

Donate online with Payfast

Hope for Ayva Bracelets - Arms of Mercy NPC

Shop Online >> Hope for Ayva-Lee Bracelets

Hope for Ayva-Lee Unisex Bracelets - Arms of Mercy NPC

Shop Online >> Hope for Ayva-Lee Unisex Bracelets

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Epilepsy Awareness – Risk Factors & Causes

epilepsy awareness

Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a neurological disorder, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, unusual behaviour, sometimes loss of consciousness, and convulsions.

Anyone can develop epilepsy at any stage during their lifetime. The disorder affects both males and females of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It is not contagious or infectious, nor is it a mental illness or psychiatric disorder.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of epilepsy:

  • Age: The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition may occur at any age, at any time.
  • Family history: If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.
  • Head injuries: Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. Reduce your risk by wearing a seat-belt while riding in a car and wear a helmet when cycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other activities with a high risk of head injury.
  • Stroke and other vascular diseases: Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. To reduce your risk; limit your alcohol consumption and avoid cigarette smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
  • Dementia: In older adults, Dementia can increase the risk of epilepsy.
  • Brain infections: Infections such as meningitis causes inflammation in your brain or spinal cord and may increase the risk of epilepsy.
  • Childhood Seizures: High fevers during childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fever generally won’t develop epilepsy. The risk will increase if a child has a long seizure, another nervous system condition or a family history of epilepsy.

Causes

The underlying causes of the epilepsy is unknown (idiopathic epilepsy) in approximately 66% of cases. Possible underlying causes of symptomatic epilepsy include: A head injury occurring at any age, A birth injury, Alcohol and drug abuse.

National Disability Rights Awareness Month

According to research, 5% – 12% of all South Africans live with some form of disability – and 20% of these have epilepsy – which is double the amount in developed countries. About 1 in 20 people will have an epileptic seizure at some point in their lives, while 1 in 100 will have seizures on a regular basis.

People with epilepsy are still able to do physical and intellectual work, and should not be treated differently. South Africa commemorates National Disability Rights Awareness Month every year from 3 November – 3 December.

purple awareness bracelet epilepsy - arms of mercy npc

Purple Awareness Bracelet – Epilepsy Awareness

Sources: https://www.gov.za, https://epilepsy.org.za, https://www.mayoclinic.org

All information in this post is published for general information and educational purposes only. Arms of Mercy NPC and the armsofmercy.org.za website do not offer any diagnosis or treatment, and 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.