Assistance for six-year-old Ely Booysen following spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis
The Round Table and Good Morning Angels assisted six-year-old Ely Booysen, who suffered several severe medical setbacks and was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.
The first day of South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown, 27 March 2020, was also the day Elysian Booysen was born. He is the only child of Rochelle and Lyle from Randfontein.
Ely, pronounced ‘Ellie’, spent most of his first two years and seven months safely at home, where his father cared for him while his mother was at work. He was a healthy little baby.
In September 2022, it was time for Ely to start crèche. He picked up the usual sniffles and sneezes, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Two months later, however, everything changed.
Ely was rushed to hospital after developing breathing problems. His face, legs and feet were swollen, and doctors discovered that he was experiencing heart failure.
He was diagnosed with a heart defect that had gone undetected since birth.
On 6 February 2023, Ely underwent open-heart surgery. It was the first of many operations and lengthy hospital stays, which included the removal of his right lung.
On 14 March, shortly before his third birthday, Ely’s heart stopped twice.
His brain was deprived of oxygen during the final cardiac arrests, and he was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.
Ely is unfortunately no longer able to move or communicate as he once did.
Although medical aid has covered a large portion of his hospital bills, it has not covered everything. The equipment and ongoing care he requires are also costly.
Ely is getting heavier and has outgrown his current car seat. He cannot be transported safely to his therapy appointments without being properly secured.
A new specialised car seat, brace and bath chair would make it easier for his family to ensure his safety and mobility.
However, this equipment comes at a significant cost. It is not covered by medical aid and is beyond the family’s financial means.
That is why Round Table West Rand reached out to Good Morning Angels.
Request for: Elysian Booysen
Request from: Chris Oldacare and Round Table West Rand
Angel 1: Hein van Rooyen, representing Round Table Pretoria and Round Table West Rand
Sponsoring: Round Table Pretoria will assist the Booysen family with a donation of R35 000, while Round Table West Rand will contribute another R10 000.
This brings the total donation to R45 000 towards Ely’s specialised car seat.
Angel 2: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
Sponsoring: The Good Morning Angels Fund will match the Round Table donation with another R45 000 towards Ely’s specialised car seat, brace and bath chair, as well as other medical expenses.
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Image: Supplied