Personal message

My mom Hette, who is 68 years old and has very little vision left and weighs 27kgs, suffers from Myasthenia Gravis—an illness that leads to the weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles under voluntary control.

It is caused by a breakdown in the communication between nerves and muscles.

Hette has had her fair share of heartache in life but is the most positive, friendly, and funny woman.

I will always remember our house full of guests because she loved to entertain people. She was very involved with local charities around Bloemfontein and then in Stilbaai where she moved after her divorce in 1995.

But Hette had a problem suffering from major depression and anxiety; my mom was an alcoholic. In 1996, she went to rehab, and I'm proud to say she has been sober for 28 years. She has helped many people through their road to recovery.

In November 2000, my brother was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at the age of 21. Unfortunately, the tumor was already the size of an ostrich egg. After removing most of the tumor, radiation, and chemotherapy, and a bloody hard fight, my brother lost his battle in September 2001. My mom had to bury her son.

This illness is also known as the snowflake disease because each person has different symptoms. It has rapidly increased after a traumatic event, and in 2004, her journey began.

Not having medical aid and not being able to work anymore, it was tough, but with a wonderful family, we managed to save her one eye.

Being told by a doctor that losing weight is part of the illness, I tried my best by having food delivered to her daily, buying her the best vitamins, and Ensure.

The saddest part is that when you speak to her over the phone, she sounds perfect, never complaining... But now this has to stop.

I'm begging you to help her get the proper help as the government hospital had failed her.

She is the best grandma in the world, and seeing my 11-year-old cry when she hugged her and only feeling bones was heartbreaking.

There is hope, but unfortunately, it needs funding.

Cost Breakdown:

• Flights to specialists in Bloemfontein.
• Cost of specialists.
• Time in the hospital to heal and gain weight.
• Medication.
• Aftercare.

This picture was taken 10 years ago, but it shows exactly who and what my mom is. Please help us get her back.

Anyone who wants to follow her journey can contact me.

I thank you from the bottom of my broken heart.

Danielle

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