CJ is miraculously on the mend

Christo (CJ) Kotze, 6, who collapsed while playing on a slippery slide on 1 January, has made miraculous progress since the incident at a family gathering in Kempton Park.

The Herald visited CJ last night (19 January), and even got goosebumps when seeing him sitting on the carpet playing with puzzle pieces and even walking a bit. Although his speech is slightly affected, he is able to speak.

CJ is currently with his grandparents, Ina and Johan Kotze, both 69. CJ’s parents, Jan and Charlene Kotze both work at Mapogo Security Company in Randfontein during the day. His grandmother does various exercises with him every day.

Although he is still wearing nappies, he told his grandmother that he wanted to go to the toilet.

The biggest concern is CJ’s vision as he is unable to see. In a month’s time his parents will take him back to the hospital for an ECG. Samples of his blood were sent to Pretoria to be analysed. They are waiting for the results.

CJ eats well, and he seems to like being busy. His dad Jan said CJ misses his favourite television programmes. According to Charlene, “There is a slight change in his personality. He used to speak loudly, now he speaks softly. In the past he would never say he would clean his room, now he tells me he wants to clean his room.

CJ spent eight days in the ICU before he was moved to a general ward. The next day he went home. The doctors did confirm that he has some degree of brain damage. Charlene said the recovery time could be between three and six months. After that, if need be, they will consult an eye specialist.

She also said he will have to learn to do everything again.

The day of the incident, whilst playing with the other children at the family gathering, CJ suddenly collapsed. When he stopped breathing his dad tried to resuscitate him. They could also not find a pulse. His parents rushed him to a private hospital in the area where he was declared dead on arrival. Doctors worked hard to resuscitate him, applying electric shocks to his heart (defibrillation). Eventually a faint heartbeat was detected.

CJ’s parents are very happy about CJ’s recovery in such a short time. Unfortunately the family’s medical aid didn’t cover the ICU or emergency care and they are battling to pay all the bills.

The Child Medi Organisation is trying to raise funds for CJ’s family to cover the medical bills. Donations can be deposited directly into Child Medi’s bank account. The account number can be found on their Facebook page: Child Medi Organisation or on their website at www.childmedi.org.

On 18 February, Ester Bezuidenhout will be performing at the AGS church in Randfontein in order to raise funds. The community is very welcome.

Please contact Nadia on 063 507 5384 for information or bookings.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

Also read: 

Boy, 6, fights for his life after collapsing

UPDATE: Boy who collapsed suffered brain damage

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