Personal message

Firstly I would like to introduce myself. I’m a 39 year old female, Tanya Bothma who underwent a bilateral lung transplant. My life before transplant, I always assumed was normal! Had a lung function of 400ml and now 2L. I can’t even begin to describe the difference. This is how “normal people” breath, walk, exercise, just to name a few which I could never have done before. I now know that was not normal pre transplant. I’m so excited to start life and do things with my family I never knew would be possible!

I’ve had respiratory problems that have dated back to infancy with recurrent severe infections. I was diagnosed with irreversible obstruction and severe airflow limitations due to bronchiolitis obliterans.

Hospital stays were a norm, it became like home.

My parents have been through some tough times. (Judy Hendra and Ron Hendra) No stone was unturned. I love you guys more than you will ever know.

I got married in 2002 to a wonderful man (Schalk Bothma) who has supported me through thick and thin. We have a little girl aged 10 which was a tough pregnancy, also a miracle on its own. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing the Lord has been and still is!

Baba ( Schalk Bothma ) thank you for always being there, love you forever.

It is difficult to put into words what this procedure and opportunity has meant to me and my family. Never did I think a procedure such as this would become available to me, especially in Cape Town.

Around 5 PM I got the call, the call I never thought I would receive so soon! When hearing Dr Greg Calligaro saying “Tanya, are you ready for this, are you sure “?.

I think emotionally that’s all I heard….

That’s where it all started.

The recovery period has been tough with lots of ups and downs, it has not been easy but with the Lord by my side and amazing family, friends and Drs ( Dr Greg Calligaro and Tim Pennel) made it that much easier. These doctors have a passion, so privileged to have been part of it.

I still have some way to go but as I said at the beginning never did I imagine that today, for the first time in my entire life, I have an incredible life changing opportunity, opening up so many new experiences to me and my family. Without this incredible initiative, started by Groote Schuur and the people responsible for this, this life changing event would never have happened for me.

This is truly a miracle!

We are forever grateful to the Donor Family, there just aren’t enough words. I lost my brother in July last year, at the age of 36, him being an organ donor. It’s a gift to one and at the same time tremendous pain for another…

We as a family urge you to consider being a donor and  leaving a legacy of your own.

With it being done at a state sector hospital some people dont have money for bare essentials like transport to the hospital, accomodation for people outside of town or even food and other procedures. This being the reason behind the fundraiser... Ive been given a new breath, a second chance and would like this for others!

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