Initiative offers help to families of premature babies
A successful fund-raiser for an initiative that supports premature babies and their families was recently held at the Cosy Corner Moth Shellhole in Brenthurst.
The first Handré Help a Preemie luncheon was filled with fun, laughter, tears, amazing prizes, wonderful entertainment by Etienne Bruwer and Katrien and Sariette Griessel and inspirational words from guest speaker Nadia Scrooby.
The Handré Help A Preemie initiative was started by Melany Bruwer and Ashleigh Pretorius in memory of Ashleigh’s son Handré.
Handré Pretorius was born on September 27, last year, at only 30 weeks of gestation.
Weighing a mere 635 grams, Handré’s hands were each the size of a R2 coin and his body smaller than a one-litre bottle.
He developed jaundice during the first week of his life, but recovered and grew stronger.
In November, Handré’s parents were informed he may require surgery after developing necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease that affects mostly the intestine of premature infants (the wall of the intestine is invaded by bacteria, which cause local infection and inflammation that can ultimately destroy the wall of the bowel).
After examining Handré, his doctors decided to treat the condition with medication.
The little boy fought hard to overcome the hurdle and during the next month he started drinking from a bottle and gained a lot of weight.
Also read: Praatjie vir die gesin
After developing NEC again, the tiny tot underwent the required surgery on December 13.
Sadly, he died a few days later on December 20.
“Our aim with this initiative is to honour the name of the brave little boy who spent his life changing ours,” said Melany.
“In Handré’s honour, we aim to donate two care packages to two premature babies a month.
“We target both government and private hospitals.
“These packages are donated directly to the parents of the babies.”
Melany and Ashleigh aim to donate 24 packages to 24 babies this year and are also hoping to donate an extra 84 boxes on Handré’s birthday and in honour of every day he lived.
“The aim of these packages is to help with the financial uphill that comes with being the parent of a preemie,” said Melany.
“We know that as a family member of a preemie, you get emotionally and financially worn out and we want to be there to give parents the reassurance that there is always someone standing by you.”
The following is included in the care package: nappies, wet wipes, bum cream, body lotion, body wash, a beanie, a pair of socks, a receiving blanket and small extras such as cotton wool and hand sanitiser.
Commenting on the fund-raiser, Melany told the Herald they received support and sponsorships from companies all over the country.
“We would like to thank each and every person who bought a ticket and came out to support us,” she said.
For more information about the initiative visit their Facebook page (Prayforhandre).
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