Esterhuizen family turns to community for help to get urgent foot amputation
Andries suffered a severe heart attack, which left his heart functioning at a capacity of only 29 percent.
For the most part of his life, 50-year-old Andries Esterhuizen has been a vibrant and energetic person who has enjoyed the finer things in life.
His wife, Salomè, describes her husband as a great father and an even better grandfather who loves spending quality time playing with the kids.
However, in July of this year, everything changed, and his life would not be the same again. Andries suffered a severe heart attack, which left his heart functioning at a capacity of only 29 percent.
“As a result of his heart not pumping enough blood to all organs and ligaments, his right foot became blue. It then changed from blue to black in a month, causing gangrene. This quickly caused his health to deteriorate,” explained Salomè.
Andries is now unable to walk properly and has not been able to play with the grandchildren like he used to. He is in constant pain, which also affects his sleeping patterns.
He also has not been able to work for the past few months as he is unable to walk long distances or pick up heavy objects, which has resulted in him not being able to bring in an income, putting immense financial strain on the family as there are medical costs to cover while still putting food on the table.
Andries needs to undergo an urgent foot amputation; however, the family feels helpless as state hospitals refuse to do the amputation due to the risks.
After multiple visits to the state hospitals and feeling like there was no more hope to help save her husband, the Esterhuizens decided to go see a private doctor.
The doctor has confirmed that due to the low functionality of his heart, surgery is very risky, but under the guidance of the correct specialists, surgery is possible and also necessary in order to save Andries’s life.
In total, Andries requires at least R95 166.38 to get this operation done.
Breakdown of the costs involved:
• Orthopaedic surgeon (amputation of Toes): R16 329
• Specialist physician: R2500
• Hospital: R66 816
• Anaesthesiologist: R9521.38
To help raise funds for Andries’s operation, the family has set up a Back-a-Buddy account.
Should you wish to assist the Esterhuizen family, you can do so by donating towards his fund at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/andreas-esterhuizen-5703276067024180022, or for more information, contact his wife, Salome, on 078 815 6735.
“My husband is really in need of help. Everyone who knows him knows he used to be an energetic person, and one always willing to help. He can’t even walk anymore and is no longer that friendly guy who helps, and he feels like a failure because he can’t help support us. I am the only one working currently and really need help. Please find it in your hearts to help him. Anything would be highly appreciated, and may God bless each and every one who helped in any way they could. Thank you,” concluded Salomè.
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