Witkoppie Ridge family in need of support
According to her mother, Chanè was a healthy baby until she contracted neonatal meningitis, which resulted in obstructive hydrocephalus and epilepsy.
Witkoppie Ridge’s Francois and Tracy Pheiffer are appealing to the community for support to help them raise funds for their four-year-old daughter, Chanè’s, medical expenses.
Chanè was born prematurely on February 29, 2016, and weighed 1.37kg.
According to her mother, she was a healthy baby until she contracted neonatal meningitis, which resulted in obstructive hydrocephalus and epilepsy.
Tracy explained hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs within the brain.
“Chanè received her first surgery at the age of three months and came home in June 2016 for the first time since she was born. She completed milestones in her own way. However, in October 2016, her ventriculoperitoneal (VP) got blocked and doctors had to perform a shunt revision procedure,” the mother explained.
A VP shunt is a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.
“In February 2020 both her VP shunts got blocked. Afterwards, she had so many setbacks from being in a coma state to septic shock after surgery, multiple collapsing of both lungs and compromised immune system.
“Due to the immense pressure on the brain, her brain got damaged and she had to get a tracheostomy (an opening surgically created through the neck into the windpipe to allow direct access to the breathing tube),” she added.
The little girl lost functionality in her left hand due to brain damage. She was home-ventilated for six months and decannulated (the process whereby a tracheostomy is removed). However, her problems did not end there.
“Chanè also got diagnosed with central sleep apnea, hypoventilation and bilateral cerebral encephalomalacia. She can’t sleep without a BiPAP machine to help get rid of carbon dioxide build-up in the lungs. She is a special needs child as she can’t walk or sit on her own.
“2020 was a difficult year for us. My husband had a stroke because of all the stress. Luckily, he is okay now. Our faith kept us going. My mom is also helping us a lot, and we appreciate it.
“We’re still so blessed to be her parents. Her brother, Arno, is also fond of her,” she added.
Tracy stressed that Chanè’s medical expenses are expensive and they are raising funds for her. The family started a Back-a-Buddy page in aid of Chanè (https://www.backabuddy.co.za/charity/profile/chane-pheiffer-medical).
Moreover, a virtual run/walk/cycle will be held for Chanè on May 29 from 6am till 4pm. The mother thanked everybody who already made contributions towards Charnè’s treatment.
If you can assist the family in any way, contact Tracy on 065 709 1755.
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