Lianie Syffert (6) recovering after mother and sister killed in N12 collision

The Syffert-family is still raising funds to pay medical bills after an accident that claimed the lives of Christeen (36) and Justeen (9).

Lianie Syffert (6), who was involved in a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of her mother and sister, has been released and is recovering at home.

She was treated at the Netcare Clinton Hospital.

The accident happened on January 21 on their way home on the N12 highway towards the N3 highway just after Voortrekker Bridge just before 19:00.

Her mother, Christeen, passed away on the scene while she and her older sister, Justeen, were transported in a critical condition to a nearby hospital.

On January 28, a week after the accident, Justeen succumbed to her injuries while Lianie was still fighting for her life.

On the path to recovery

According to Cornel Pretorius, Lianie’s aunt, she sustained a fractured skull, liver injuries, broken teeth, a dislocated jaw, facial cuts and a fractured bone in her foot.

Lianie is doing much better but the road to recovery is still long and hard.

The six-year-old had surgery to repair her broken cheekbones and jaw

She also underwent an operation where doctors inserted plates in her face above and below her eye.

“She recently went back to the hospital so that a drainage pipe could be inserted due to an infection in her eye. After a few days, she was able to open her eye and she is also wearing a moon boot (recovery boot) for six weeks to help the fractured bone in her foot,” Pretoruis said.

“It is really going well with her, she is a living miracle.”

The family broke the sad news to Lianie about her mother and sister, but it is as if she has not internalised it.

Medical bills are piling up

Neil Syffert is still struggling with the loss of his wife and daughter but he has not left Lianie’s sight.

With no medical aid and Neil unable to earn an income at the moment, he now has to come to terms with his immense loss and uncertain future for his little Lianie.

Justeen was treated in a private hospital to the day of her death and there is still a lot of bills that need to be paid for her.

Lianie’s medical bills are also immensely high.

“If we could somehow make life just a bit easier by helping to pay the medical bills, Neil can put all of his focus on Lianie.

“We are so grateful for each and everyone who has donated and helped in their ways, but we are still in need of funds to be able to pay the medical bills in full,” said Pretorius

The aim is to raise R1-million to cover all medical costs.

“We don’t know what the future holds and don’t know if Lianie is going to need therapy. The road is unknown.”
People can contribute via the BackaBuddy link.

“I would appreciate you sharing their link on your social media platforms so it can reach as many people as possible. Please also consider pledging a monthly donation to enable their family to pay for their medical bills,” said Pretorius.

The family wants to say thank you to the community, family, friends and everyone else who have been with them on this road.

“Thank you is not a strong enough word, but thank you,” Pretorius concluded.

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