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
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.
