Multiple strokes leave 10-year-old boy severely disabled
Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels assisted 10-year-old Eben and his family after he suffered multiple strokes, just like his mom, who tragically passed away two years ago.
Ten-year-old Eben Beukes loves going to school with his friends. But this year, Eben hasn’t been able to attend school. He fell ill in December with a viral infection that quickly escalated into something far more serious.
Due to severe inflammation, Eben developed PIMS (Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome), an aggressive autoimmune response. As his body struggled, he was hit with a secondary streptococcal infection. This led to multiple strokes and extensive cerebral damage.
Two years ago, Eben’s mom also suffered a stroke and sadly passed away, leaving behind Eben, his 15-year-old sister Ané, and their father, Hendrik, who has done everything in his power to care for his children.
READ: Family hopeful after boy loses arm in crocodile attack
Eben is currently in a rehabilitation facility, which is partially covered by medical aid. He is expected to stay there for about another month. When the medical aid runs out, he will return home, where Hendrik will need help to care for him.
In the past six months, Eben has lost his sight. He can no longer speak or walk and needs constant care.
A group of school and family friends have been assisting Hendrik and reached out to Good Morning Angels to help bring Eben home.
REQUEST FOR: Eben Beukes (10) and his father, Hendrik Beukes
REQUEST FROM: Various listeners, including:
- Theo van der Sandt
- Liné Niemand
ANGELS & SPONSORS:
Angel 1: Hein van Rooyen, representing Round Table
Sponsorship: Round Table Pretoria will assist Hendrik and Eben with a R50,000 donation to help bring Eben home.
Angel 2: Anria van Heerden, representing Caring Daisies
Sponsorship: Caring Daisies will assist Hendrik with a R50,000 donation toward bringing Eben home.
READ: Young woman will "see" again with help of AI smart glasses
Angel 3: Mariska de Jager, representing Corestruc
Sponsorship: Corestruc will assist with a R30,000 donation for Eben's home care and medical expenses.
Angel 4: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
Sponsorship: The Fund will contribute R60,000 toward home care and medical costs.
You can also help by donating money. Banking details below:
ORIGINAL REQUEST 1:
Help Us Give Eben the Gentle, Loving Care He Deserves
Today, we ask for your support for a brave little boy named Eben Beukes — a 10-year-old with a heart full of kindness, a gentle spirit, and a smile that once lit up every room he entered.
Eben's life changed forever in December when he contracted COVID-19. What started as a viral infection quickly worsened. He developed PIMS — a severe autoimmune response — and then a secondary streptococcal infection. His condition deteriorated rapidly.
Eben suffered multiple strokes and extensive brain damage. Practically overnight, this vibrant, loving child became entirely dependent on full-time care. He now requires 24-hour palliative support, including nursing care, feeding assistance, medical equipment, and essentials like diapers and hygiene products.
Eben’s father, Hendrik, has shown extraordinary courage. But the burden is heavy.
Two years ago, Hendrik lost his wife — Eben’s mother — to a stroke. Now, as a single father, he’s dealing with deep grief while caring for Eben and supporting Ané, Eben’s 15-year-old sister, as she copes with the trauma.
Despite everything, Hendrik is devoted to giving Eben the love and dignity he deserves. But he cannot do it alone.
This is where you come in.
Whether it’s through a donation, a prayer, or sharing Eben’s story, your support can lift this family in their greatest time of need. Every contribution, big or small, will help cover:
- Full-time nursing and palliative care
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Daily needs: medication, diapers, hygiene products
Please stand with us in love, hope, and compassion. Help bring peace and comfort to a little boy who has endured so much — and to a family holding on to hope.
#HopeForEben #SupportEbenBeukes #PalliativeCareForEben
REQUEST 2 (in Afrikaans):
Naand Good Morning Angels-span
Ek is Juffrou Liné Niemand (Graad 4-juffrou) van Laerskool Hennopspark en ek sal dit waardeer as julle die volgende lees. Asseblief, lees alles.
Een jaar gelede kom 'n Graad 3-onderwyser na my toe. “Liné, Eben Beukes gaan volgende jaar in jou klas wees. Kyk asseblief na hom — sy mamma is verlede jaar oorlede.” Ek was geskok. As 'n jong juffrou moes ek my woorde tel. Geen meer “Mamma moet jou toets teken,” of “Onthou jou huiswerk nie.”
Van daardie dag af het ek so baie geleer. Vandag sê ek in my klas: “Iemand — jou ouers, ouma, oupa of voog — moet jou toets teken.”
Eben het vinnig in my hart gekruip — die oulike, slim, en liefdevolle seuntjie. In Januarie kry ek ’n boodskap van sy pa, Hendrik: “Het julle aanlynklasse?” Toe vind ek uit: Eben is siek en in die hospitaal.
Wat met Eben gebeur het, het my lewe verander. Ek was kwaad — kwaad vir God. Ek kon nie verstaan hoekom Hy dit aan ’n kind doen nie. My geloof het geswig.
Maar vandag weet ek hoekom. Hy het my, en ander rondom Eben, se geloof versterk. Toe die masjien afgeskakel is, het Eben self begin asemhaal. Die vog op sy brein het verminder. Hy het gewys: God is altyd by ons.
Ek weet Eben sal nooit weer dieselfde wees nie. Maar hy het reeds ’n verskil gemaak. Ek bid steeds en leer my kinders oor God — vanweë Eben.
Met liefde,
Liné Niemand
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: X/ Top Travel Places Guide