As young Mienke Mulder (one and a half years old), who is known as a miracle baby, grows, taking care of her is a challenge that her parents were never prepared for – but strive to do the best they can.
“Mienke’s monthly expenses are about R50 000,” said her mother, Verna Mulder.
Young Mienke was not born with damage to her brain but suffered from this after going through a terrible ordeal when she choked on a bottle of milk at her day-care centre on August 28 last year.
ALSO READ:
Miracle Mienke needs your support
The six-month-old (at the time) was technically dead for 15 minutes.
The Rynfield baby was admitted to a rehabilitation facility in Auckland Park for 16 weeks.
“Mienke was discharged at the end of December 2017 but she was back in hospital in February,” said Verna.
“She was in ICU again for one month, she went in to have a few procedures done – botox, electroencephalography (EEG), etc and she just got sick.
“She had one operation and a few small procedures while in ICU.”
In June, the toddler was again admitted to hospital for another two weeks and a few procedures as a result of her choking.
A fund-raiser was held for Mienke at the Birchwood Hotel on August 18 after doctors established that Mienke will need 24-hour care.
“The fund-raiser was held and organised by Pearl Drop Moments magazine – it was a success and very beautiful,” Verna said.
“It was a fun day with two amazing speakers who shared the message of faith with us.”
According to the Mulder couple (Verna and Ryno), the monies raised will be used to pay outstanding medical expenses.
As Mienke grows, she requires more treatments, including:
• Weekly therapy – she goes for speech and occupational therapy, physiotherapy and chiropracting (spine, neck and back)
• Platelets and stemcells – stemcells can be done every six months.
• Oxygen (hyperbaric therapy).
• Botox every four months as she is spastic.
“Mienke is not out of danger yet, and medically she will still need to go for ongoing tests, treatments, procedures, etc,” Verna explained.
But it is not all bad news for the little fighter who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and tetraplegia.
“She did not move her arm, legs and head. She couldn’t open her eyes and her feet were pin-pointing,” Verna said.
But now Mienke moves her head to either side, she is able to lift her head (but not yet hold it upright), moves both her arms and legs, and she opens her hands.
“Mienke also did not make any sounds but she started making sounds and is much more aware of what is going on around her – she is recognising certain people’s voices,” Verna said.
But she needs more as she continues to grow and needs the best care possible.
“Mienke’s milk is also not covered by medical aid and that is an additional +- R12 000 a month,” Verna said.
The milk is Neocate Junior, which the Mulders said they buy from a pharmacy in Benoni that purchases it elsewhere for them.
“There is also additional equipment that Mienke needs like a specialised bath chair as Mienke cannot sit and she is way too big for a baby seat,” Verna said.
“We constantly have to buy and get her the things she needs, like hand splints, glasses, seating equipment, pushchairs, car seats, etc.”
According to Verna, they need to buy Mienke a proper seat and standing frame which is R67 000 and in the process of being manufactured.
“Mienke’s platelets are also not covered by medical aid and that is an additional R1 700 to R2 500 per treatment and she can go weekly,” she said.
Should the community like to assist the family in any way, Verna can be contacted on 083 375 3148 and Ryno on 076 865 5200
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
