We are reaching out today with an urgent plea for Pieter van Tonder. His journey has been anything but ordinary, and he needs your support to continue his fight for a brighter future.
Pieter was born tiny but healthy. However, just four days later, he was admitted to MediClinic Bloemfontein with severe jaundice. After a week, he was discharged, only to return three days later to the NICU. During a blood transfusion, Pieter’s heart stopped. For 7.5 agonising minutes, doctors worked to resuscitate him, and thankfully, they brought him back, but the ordeal left him with brain damage.
Early scans were devastating, indicating Pieter might never move or even feed. Yet, this incredible boy defied those predictions. After 26 days in the NICU, he came home, able to feed, hear, and see – proving everyone wrong.
Now, at three years old, Pieter faces daily challenges due to spastic hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. While his right hand has improved with therapy, his legs are spastic, and he has drop feet. He is currently in physiotherapy and desperately needs MVOs (Molded Ankle Foot Orthoses) and a reverse walker to learn to walk. These aren’t luxuries; they are important tools for his development and independence.
Despite everything, Pieter is an amazing, vibrant boy. He communicates in three languages, attends a regular preschool, and navigates his world with incredible determination, whether crawling or riding his toy motorcycle. He is loving, expressive, and a true testament to resilience.
How You Can Help
The hard truth is, Pieter’s family does not have medical aid, and the ongoing costs of his therapies, equipment, and specialist appointments are overwhelming for them. They are a family of modest means, and they are now turning to their community for help.
Please, if you can, consider donating to Pieter’s medical fund. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make a direct and tangible difference in his life, allowing his family to continue his treatment and give him every opportunity to thrive. We have also launched a heartfelt bracelet project to help raise funds for his ongoing medical expenses to further support his journey. You can find his “Step by Step Bracelets” in our online store.
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: PIETER VAN TONDER
Alternatively, make a donation online with Payfast.
