Appeal to continue helping Glenwood man

GLENWOOD resident, André Pienaar, has made astounding progress in his rehabilitation following a decline in his health since March this year.

Berea Mail published an appeal for financial assistance earlier this month, as mounting medical bills were overwhelming the Pienaar family.

André was moved from Parklands Hospital to the Entabeni Rehabilitation Centre at the end of July after ill health which baffled doctors.

After having a persistent headache for three days in March, André’s wife Annatjie and son Roël had both noticed André’s health rapidly deteriorating.

André was experiencing impaired motor function and some confusion.

He was rushed to hospital where he remained for more than 14 weeks fighting for his life. During his battle to survive, André was also infected with the Coronavirus.

Amazingly, after more than 25 weeks, André was able to go home on Wednesday, 26 August, something that Annatjie said felt almost surreal.

“So many days snatched from his life, so many times when his life was almost lost, and now he’s home! So many people have lost loved ones in recent months but I am blessed. My miracle man is home, and we’ll work hard to make sure he won’t deteriorate or lose any of the progress he’s made,” she said.

ALSO READ: Help raise funds for Glenwood resident

Commenting on his progress, family friend, Gill Kemp, said: “It has been absolutely amazing to hear the weekly improvements in André. God certainly has a plan for him. Thank you to those who have been able to contribute financially in these extremely difficult times. The family is truly grateful. So far more than R112 000 has been paid out to the hospitals, doctors and specialists. Without help this wouldn’t have been possible,” she said.

Gill said unfortunately the bills are still increasing daily, and appealed to the community to continue to share the Back-A-Buddy link for André and to make any contributions, no matter how small.

“It was André’s 57th birthday this month, and I am hoping we could get 100 people to donate R57 or more in celebration of André’s birthday month. A wonderful birthday gift!” she said.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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