More help for young mom who suffered a stroke days after giving birth
Just eight days after giving birth to a baby girl, 29-year-old Elzani McCormick suffered a postpartum stroke that caused bleeding on her brain.
On 6 January, 29-year-old Elzani McCormick gave birth to a baby girl, Mia-Lee, her second child.
On 14 January, just eight days later, Elzani suffered a postpartum stroke that caused bleeding on her brain.
Her condition was critical, and she underwent emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure and swelling. She was released from hospital to recover at home on 3 April.
Her husband, Vincent, has to continue working to provide for the family, as Elzani will not be able to work for some time.
They live in a garden flat at Vincent’s parents’ home, with his mother looking after little Mia-Lee and her three-year-old brother, Kian, during the day.
Elzani’s mom, Suzette Maree, sits by her side every day until Vincent comes home from work, and then he takes over again.
Their medical aid was exhausted by the birth and the unexpected medical treatment and operation for Elzani, which means that her care and recovery costs have to come from their reduced income.
This includes physio, speech and occupational therapy, medication, adult nappies, special food, and a carer, which amounts to at least R30 000 per month in additional expenses. They also have to pay the shortfall not covered by their medical aid.
That is why friends of the family reached out to Good Morning Angels for assistance.
Follow-up 22 April - Pick 'n Pay assists Elzani and her family
ANGEL: Karen Jordaan from Pick 'n Pay
SPONSORING: Pick ‘n Pay is a main sponsor of this year’s Kids and Baby Expo. They got some of the sponsors together to help Elzani and her family:
- R4 000 from Johnson & Johnson
- A year’s supply of nappies from Huggies
- R10 000 shopping vouchers from Pick ‘n Pay
- Mimi Luxe Infant Car Seat together with two ISOFIX bases, allowing the car seat to move easily between vehicles, donated by Mimi Baby .
REQUEST FOR: Elzani McCormick, represented by her mom, Suzette Maree
REQUEST FROM: Amanda Schoeman
ANGEL 1: ESAB SA
SPONSORING: ESAB SA, a company in Germiston, is already supplying Elzani’s oxygen machine and oxygen at home to the value of R75 000.
ANGEL: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
SPONSORING: The Good Morning Angels Fund will assist the McCormick family in covering Elzani’s monthly medical and rehabilitation expenses for three months, totalling R100 000.
ORIGINAL REQUEST:
Dear Good Morning Angels,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to you today with a deeply heavy and humble heart, reaching out urgently to ask for your help in supporting a young mother whose life has changed in the most unimaginable way.
On 6 January 2026, Elzani McCormick, just 29 years old, gave birth to her beautiful baby girl, a moment that should have been filled with joy, love, and new beginnings.
Only eight days later, on 14 January 2026, that joy turned into heartbreak.
Elzani suffered a devastating postpartum stroke that caused bleeding on her brain. In the days that followed, she experienced a seizure, which led to further bleeding. Her condition became critical, and she underwent emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure and swelling.
By grace, Elzani is still here.
She is fighting every single day to find her way back to her life. She is learning to eat again, to move again, and to speak again. Every small step forward takes immense strength, and her journey remains long and uncertain.
We have included before and after photos, as well as a video showing her current condition, not to overwhelm, but to gently give insight into the reality she is facing. The difference is heartbreaking. A young, vibrant mother is now confined to a bed, fighting to regain the most basic functions of life.
At this stage, Elzani cannot stand or walk. She is currently paralysed on the right side of her body and requires assistance with all daily activities. She also remains dependent on oxygen through a tracheostomy. Her recovery will require ongoing, intensive care, patience, and support.
She is expected to be discharged on Friday, 3 April, but with that comes an even greater responsibility and need for care.
Due to her condition, Elzani is unable to return to work, and her family has lost her source of income, placing them under even greater financial strain during this already devastating time.
Sadly, her medical aid has been exhausted and will not cover any further expenses. We are anticipating significant additional medical costs that will fall outside of what the medical aid can provide. The financial burden facing her family is overwhelming.
On a monthly basis, Elzani will require approximately R8 000 for essential medical supplies needed for her daily care and hygiene.
In addition, she urgently requires:
- A medical bed with a specialised mattress to prevent bedsores
- A wheelchair to assist with mobility
- An oxygen machine to support her breathing
- Ongoing medical and rehabilitation care
- A full-time caregiver, as she is currently unable to care for herself
These are not luxuries, but necessities, and ongoing costs that her family simply cannot manage alone.
At home, her newborn baby girl and her three-year-old son are waiting for their mother. Her husband is doing everything in his power to hold their family together, but the emotional and financial strain is more than any one person can carry.
No family is ever prepared for something like this.
With humility and urgency, we are reaching out to ask for your help.
Any contribution will make a real and immediate difference, helping to provide the care and support Elzani urgently needs, and bringing hope to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking the time to read this and for opening your hearts.
With sincere gratitude and hope,
Amanda Schoeman
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Image: Supplied