Video: Chi-Nelri on the road to recovery
Previously it was reported Chi-Nelri suffered from a cholesterol count of between 26 and 30.
Petit toddler Chi-Nelri Smith successfully underwent a living-donor liver transplant at the Donald Gordon Medical Center in Parktown, Johannesburg, on April 9.
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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.
Chi-Nelri 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.
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The three-year-old underwent the procedure as the cholesterol count, which was life-threatening, resulted in a cardiac arrest last year.
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Medical experts also cautioned parents Chivon and Steve Smith, stating their little girl might not live beyond the age of four.
Despite the negative prognosis, the Smith family refused to feel defeated and continued to believe Chi-Nelri would rise above the circumstances and be able to overcome her situation.
In previous meetings with the City Times, Chivon said the family was always positive and believed prayer and faith, with Chi-Nelri’s treatment, would ensure her little girl survived the high cholesterol.
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“We believe she will be fine,” Chivon said previously, despite doctors saying the chances of survival during the operation would be 50/50.
“All we need is prayer and we (the Smiths and extended family) know she will be fine.”
The City Times contacted the Smith family after the procedure.
“Deidré is a hero,” said a grateful Chivon.
“Steve and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in getting us to this point, especially Deidré.”
Despite the relief for the Smith family, a long road to recovery lies ahead for Chi-Nelri.
She will be required to remain in a health care facility for the next four to six months with Chivon staying with her and the family being able to make regular visits.
This, the City Times was told, is due to infections that Chi-Nelri would be prone to outside of the health care facility, hampering her recovery process.
Thereafter, Chi-Nelri will be reunited with the rest of her family but is required to stay home a further six months to minimalise and eliminate the risks of infections.
Chivon said she and Steve were grateful to their families, friends and members of the public who have continually showed support to them.
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