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Miss Medical Anomaly

Miss Medical Anomaly

Funds Raised:
R 9 116
Fundraising Target:
R 800 000

Personal message

Good Day, 

My name is Natasha. 
 
I am trying to raise funds for my little Cuzzy, Saskia Jaquline Herzfield Valente's medical needs, tests and treatments. 
 
Saskia is 30 years old and resides in Johannesburg, Gauteng and she is a living medical anomaly and one heck of fighter.
She needs access to specialised medical treatments that can give her the option of living a full life well into her old age, which cannot be achieved through public healthcare. 
 
Saskia was first diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 7.
When she turned 19 years old she was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Raynaud's Phenomenon.
At age of 27 she was diagnosed with SLE Lupus.
 
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis affects one in a million children. 
At the time of Saskia's first diagnosis, she was one of two children in South Africa who were undergoing treatment with Dr. Debra Nel (Jacaranda Hospital). These treatments successfully saw Saskia go into remission between ages 11 and 19, until it returned with a vengeance as Ankylosing Spondylitis coupled with Raynauds.
Also, it is also important to note that only one in a thousand women are diagnosed with SLE Lupus.
 
Saskia's medical conditions explained in a bit more detail: 
 
1. Raynaud's Phenomenon:
The fingers, toes, ears and tip of the nose go numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. It is often accompanied by changes in colour of the skin, poor blood circulation and reduced sensation of touch.
 
2. Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Also known as axial spondyloarthritis, which is an inflammatory disease (arthritis) that over time can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture. If the ribs are affected it can become difficult to breathe deeply. This is a lifelong condition.  
 
3. SLE Lupus:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. There is no cure for Lupus but medical interventions and lifestyle changes can control it. People with SLE may experience a variety of symptoms - called flare ups. Symptoms can include sun sensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, lung problems, seizures, psychosis and blood cell and immunological abnormalities.
 
Saskia lives with three autoimmune conditions, each of which come with their own unique set of daily challenges (some days are worse than others) but despite all of this she is still one of the kindest people I know and doesn't take a single day for granted. 
 
At this time she isn't able to afford a medical aid due to the exorbitant monthly cost involved and the waiting period because of her pre-existing medical conditions. 
 
Saskia's starting point is that she urgently requires further testing on her kidneys as well as a renal biopsy as she has very high levels of protein in her urine. 
 
Please help me to help my little Cuzzy raise funds for the medical care that she really needs and cannot access through public healthcare. 

Donations

  • Jan 03, 2024 - R 1 050.00
  • "Love You" - Anonymous
  • Dec 31, 2023 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous
  • Dec 28, 2023 - R 92.55 Fees covered
  • "Love You" - Anonymous
  • Dec 26, 2023 - R 500.00
  • "Donated and shared 💕" - Anonymous
  • Dec 24, 2023 - USD $ 116.91 Fees covered
  • "Wishing you all the best" - Anonymous
  • Dec 23, 2023 - USD $ 58.48 Fees covered
  • "Im praying for you precious Saskia" - Liz RöLL
  • Dec 23, 2023 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "God Bless you Sassy" - Vanessa
  • Dec 23, 2023 - USD $ 58.48 Fees covered
  • "💙💙" - Anonymous
  • Dec 22, 2023 - USD $ 11.83 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous
  • Dec 22, 2023 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous
  • Dec 22, 2023 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "You are loved hunbun ❤️" - Theodorah Manjo

Statistics

Fundraising target

R 800 000.00

Donations to date

R 9 115.66

Miss Medical Anomaly Campaign

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I'm Natasha, seeking urgent help for my cousin Saskia, 30, battling complex health issues. She needs specialized medical care, including kidney testing and a biopsy. Living in Johannesburg without medical aid, she's struggling. Your support can make a difference.