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Update: Heartfelt Thank You for Your Support (Monday, 15 January 2024)

Dear Donors and Supporters,

We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to Llewellyn’s fundraiser: “Hope for Llewellyn”. Your support has made a significant impact on his journey, and we wanted to provide you with an update on the progress we've made thus far.

With the funds we have collected up to date, we are thrilled to share that we have successfully enrolled Llewellyn in ‘Nukleus Onderwys online school’, a private institution that accommodates his unique needs resulting from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. The contributions received have not only covered his registration fees but also provided for essential books and materials, allowing him to begin his matric (Grade 12) studies on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 in a supportive and conducive environment.

We genuinely appreciate the outpouring of kindness and solidarity from donors like you, which has helped us overcome the initial hurdles. However, our journey is not yet complete, and we are reaching out to you with a humble request to continue sharing the fundraiser link and spreading the word. While we have taken a crucial step forward, we still need additional funds to cover the remaining fees for the academic year and examination fees.

Your ongoing support is invaluable, and it brings us closer to ensuring that my brother receives the education he deserves despite the challenges he faces. We believe in the power of community, and your commitment to our cause is a testament to the strength of human compassion. Your kindness has touched our lives in profound ways, and we are forever grateful.

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Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Ninke Pienaar, 20 years old, and I am writing this story on behalf of my brother Llewellyn Pienaar, 18 years old. I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for help on behalf of my brother, Llewellyn. His dreams of completing his school career this year (2023) have been overshadowed by the relentless challenges posed by Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Llewellyn's journey with epilepsy began unexpectedly in September 2022, while he was in grade 11. His school urgently summoned my mother one morning, notifying her that Llewellyn had lost consciousness. Rushing to the sickbay, she found him unresponsive, exhibiting strange behavior and struggling to communicate. This marked the onset of a series of mysterious episodes, leading us on a daunting path of medical investigation.

Despite numerous hospital visits, diagnostic tests, and the rollercoaster of emotions that followed, it was in October 2022 that Llewellyn received a definitive diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. This condition not only disrupted his education but also posed a constant threat to his health and well-being.

The impact of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy:

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy brought about a myriad of challenges for Llewellyn. Seizures, both physically and emotionally draining, became a recurring part of his life. The unpredictability of these seizures made attending a traditional school setting untenable. The pressure and stress triggered by the school environment intensified his condition, jeopardizing his academic progress and causing severe setbacks.

Despite his unwavering determination, Llewellyn had to make the difficult decision to step back from completing his matric this year. The toll on his physical and mental health was too great. He handed in his books, said goodbye to teachers and friends, and embarked on a journey towards recovery.

Looking toward the future:

The path forward involves enrolling Llewellyn in a private institution offering online education. This approach provides the flexibility he needs to complete his matric at his own pace, without the overwhelming pressure of a traditional school environment and setting. However, private education comes at a cost, and this is where we seek your support.

Funds raised will go towards Llewellyn's tuition fees, necessary resources for online learning, and medical expenses related to his ongoing treatment. Your contribution will not only enable him to complete his final school year (matric) in 2024 but also pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

A glimpse into Llewellyn’s struggle:

The limited awareness surrounding epilepsy, especially Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, has compounded the challenges Llewellyn faces. Before a seizure, he experiences sensations like déjà vu, sudden fear, and altered senses. The seizures themselves bring confusion, altered speech, loss of communication abilities, and hallucinations. Factors such as lack of sleep, stress, and specific stimuli trigger these seizures, creating a complex web of challenges for Llewellyn.

Despite the hurdles, Llewellyn has shown incredible resilience. However, the impact on his academic and personal life has been profound. The decision to prioritize his health and well-being, stepping away from traditional schooling, was a tough one, but a necessary step towards his recovery.

Your support matters:

Your generosity can make a significant difference in Llewellyn's life. Every contribution brings him one step closer to completing his matric and achieving the dreams he had to put on hold.

Let us come together as a community, supporting Llewellyn on his journey to overcome the obstacles that epilepsy has placed in his path. Your kindness and generosity will not only shape his future but inspire hope for others facing similar challenges.

Thank you for considering Llewellyn's story and being a beacon of hope in his life.

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