Help Jeandrè with an operation that will give him back his life
Due to his scoliosis, Jeandrè has spent most of his time at home as he is unable to attend school due to the severity of the pain he suffers.
For most 16-year-olds, their days consist of a variety of activities and keeping themselves busy by spending time with friends.
However, for Jeandrè van Noord of Volksrust, life just isn’t that easy as he spends most of his days in severe pain which restricts his mobility.
Jeandrè suffers from two types of scoliosis and ‘rib crowding’ on his right side.
Who is Jeandrè van Noord?
Jeandrè was born in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on July 17, 2007.
“I have a very supportive and caring family who always looks out for me,” he said.
Due to his scoliosis, Jeandrè has spent most of his time at home as he is unable to attend school due to the severity of the pain he suffers.
He regularly loses all feelings in his legs, which is another reason why he cannot attend school, as any sudden movement or even the slightest fall could cause his spine to completely snap.
Looking back to when he was diagnosed, his mother, Anna Kruger, said her son had complained of about severe pain in his back as well as having trouble breathing. “We took him for an MRI and an X-ray, which revealed he had two types of scoliosis as well as rib crowding on the right side of his body. This has had a very negative impact on his life as he isn’t allowed to participate in any sports, such as running or swimming, and has caused him to not be able to spend time with his friends,” Kruger explained.
Jeandrè now needs to undergo an urgent spinal fusion, which will help straighten his spine. Unfortunately, this operation is expensive.
According to Kruger, the operation will cost R800 000 through a private hospital and R150 000 if she goes through the state, as the doctor needs to bring his own equipment to conduct the operation.
“The problem is that the waiting time through the state hospital is extremely long. Jeandrè cannot wait much longer to have the operation. My heart is shattered as my hands feel tied because I do not have the finances to help my son, and now we are asking our community to please help us.”
Back-a-Buddy:
“I created a Back-a-Buddy account so that we can try and raise the funds to help my son.”
Should you wish to help Jeandrè, you can do so by donating to his Back-a-Buddy account at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/jeandre-van-noord- 5746699671714480842
“If he doesn’t undergo the operation soon, he may lose feeling in his legs completely. We need to raise R800 000 for the surgery; all I want is for Jeandre to lead a normal life. We plan to organise car shows, accept donations, and sell raffle tickets to raise the necessary funds. We are willing to do whatever it takes to reach our goal. If anyone can help with a donation, we would greatly appreciate it.”
Remaining positive:
Jeandrè believes that he remains positive and motivated by drawing pieces of art that keep his mind focused on something other than his pain.
“I would like to start writing a book about my life and my struggles, which I want to use to help motivate other children going through the same struggles I am currently going through. I also wish to soon live a normal life where I can once again spend time with friends and family without pain. I would also really like to be able to return to school so that I can one day become an architect, which is my dream,” he concluded.
See photos here:
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