Northmead toddler in need of financial assistance for medical expenses
Herman also displays abnormal behaviour by banging his head and rocking to-and-fro, which started at the age of eight months.
Northmead resident Joan Joubert and her husband Zirk are appealing for financial assistance from the community following their son’s medical condition which doctors have termed as a “rare finding”.
In October it was established that Herman, who is 22 months old, has an abnormality (imbalance) involving one his chromosome twos which was recorded as a rare finding.
Despite being awake, alert and active, he has dysmorphic features with obvious disproportionate stature, global developmental delay and behaviourial concerns.
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Herman also displays abnormal behaviour by banging his head and rocking to-and-fro, which started at the age of eight months.
Their family history is significant as Zirk has a history of epilepsy and specialised education, and has family members with chromosomal abnormalities while Joan has epilepsy.
Joan had a stressful pregnancy which included being admitted to hospital in her sixth month of pregnancy for bleeding, seizures at seven months, and an elective cesarean section at 38 weeks due to her epilepsy.
However, Herman had no complications at birth, and the doctors say the finding made in October cannot be recorded as the causes of his delays and behaviourial concerns, but may be a contributing factor.
“He doesn’t sleep well, he pushes me away, and he has moments of throwing temper tantrums resulting in him banging his head extremely hard, and I am afraid that he will hurt himself,” explained Joan.
“He has to undergo various therapies and the medical aid is already depleted.”
According to Joan, the doctors have ruled out autism.
Medical recommendations have been made, but along with other financial struggles, the family is finding it difficult to afford the expenses which include physiotherapy and speech therapy.
Joan also has eight-year-old son, Jared, who currently is on ADHD meds that cost around R800 a month and he has to go for a full evaluation at the neurologist.
“Jared has to have a full evaluation done to see if we can get him on other meds that will help him and also not affect his sleep or appetite.
“I am far overdue for a check-up as I have epilepsy, but there are just never any funds available as we always have bills to pay for Herman.”
“The children deserve a happy environment and my husband and I also want to raise them how we feel is appropriate.”
At present, due to financial constraints, Joan, Zirk and the boys live with Joan’s family.
Joan can be contacted on 079 878 6346.
