The City Times published an article in August about little Chi-Nelri Smith, from Petit, who had a cholesterol count of 26.
It was reported that the girl, who celebrated her third birthday on Saturday (December 1), suffered from a rare 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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Benoni, Chi-Nelri needs your prayers and support
Dependent on chronic medication for her survival, Chi-Nelri has already suffered major health setbacks this year, including a cardiac arrest and an incident where her heart rate reached 160 while she was at crèche.
Prof Frederick Raal (director Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, professor and head of division of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand) stated that in his experience Chi-Nelri’s case is rare and survival chances are very slim as patients as young as four years old die from familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Medical experts advised that while the condition cannot be cured, it is treatable, and now Chi-Nelri requires a liver transplant.
However, due to the severity of the situation, doctors have advised that obtaining a living donor’s organ who is strictly a family member would significantly reduce the risk of her body rejecting the liver.
“Chi-Nelri’s blood type is O+, which is a more common blood type, so her chances of receiving a donor from the waiting list are slim,” explained mom Chivon Smith.
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“This is why we were advised that she should undergo a living donor transplant, as quickly as possible, and this will also lessen the chances of her body rejecting the transplant.
“Unfortunately, my husband and I weren’t suitable candidates.
We have six family members who have stepped forward, of whom four were unsuccessful, and we are awaiting test results for compatibility with the fifth.
“One of her uncles might be a potential donor, but he will have to undergo tests on Wednesday (November 5) to see if he matches with Chi-Nelri.”
Smith explained that a living-donor transplant entailed a donor giving 35 to 40 per cent of their liver away to Chi-Nelri to replace hers.
“We were told there is no guarantee of her survival.
“Should the transplant be successful, she will be in ICU for around two months, then need normal hospitalisation for around three to four months.
“Once she is released, she will need to be home for six more months.”
Smith added that she would have to take a leave from absence from work in order to take full care of her youngest daughter, which means her husband, Steve, would have to hold the fort both financially and in their home.
“Hopefully, the transplant will take place by mid-January. Her life is now dependent on it.
“We humbly request the public to please pray with us and for our little girl as she needs every bit of prayer possible right now.”
To offer support or make donations for Chi-Nelri, contact Chivon via email on chivonsmith@gmail.com or call her on 071 333 5906.
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