Petit family keeps fighting for Chi-Nelri

Young Chi-Nelri Smith’s (3) road to recovery since her liver transplant operation in April has been a difficult one, placing the youngster in hospital several times and leading to high medical bills amounting to over R250 000.

The Petit resident was born with a medical condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia, which is characterised by higher-than-normal levels of low-density lipoprotein (unhealthy) blood cholesterol in the body.

“Chi-Nelri underwent the operation and remained in hospital for 28 days,” said her mom, Chivon Smith.

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On April 11, it was reported her cholesterol count was 5.9 after she received a part of her aunt Deidré Cronje’s liver.

“After being discharged, she was re-admitted to drain the gall in her body. She was then discharged and re-admitted as the surgical drain pipe was blocked,” Chivon explained.

The toddler returned home, but due to vomiting from the medication, she was re-admitted and again discharged. Shortly after she was diagnosed with swine flu and was re-admitted again.

She was discharged in time for her fund-raiser held in Benoni AH on June 22.

The fund-raiser was held in aid of the liver transplant medical bills and every bill that followed.

“We are in debt with medical bills of R250 000,” said Chivon.

“She has to see a cardiologist that will cost another R6 000.”

Her parents, Chivon and Steve Smith, are grateful to their families, friends and members of the public who have continually showed support to them.

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