Christo (CJ) Kotze, 6, who collapsed while playing on a slippery slide on 1 January, has made miraculous progress, but there is a strong possibility that he is suffering from a rare disease.
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.
The Herald visited CJ last night (15 March). He was walking around, playing with his sister and even gave the Herald journalist a hug.
When asked about his progress, his mother, Charlene Kotze, said CJ needs to go to Sunninghill Hospital for a day, where he will be monitored while he is on a rotation bed. His symptoms point to Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a rare congenital and inherited or acquired heart condition. It is a disorder of the heart’s electrical activity. It can cause sudden, uncontrollable, dangerous arrhythmia – problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat – during exercise or stress.
These episodes may lead to fainting and sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation. Episodes may be brought on by various forms of stimulation, such as contact sport, or even if water is splashed in the sufferer’s face.
“CJ hardly sleeps during the night, and can be extremely hyperactive. His vision has improved to being almost back to normal. The doctors told us that his medication causes him not to sleep,” said Charlene. “He has slight brain damage, and acts younger than his age. Although his speech is slightly affected, he is able to speak. He can not eat by himself, and needs to be fed.”
Ina and Johan Kotze, CJ’s grandparents, both 69, also help Charlene and Jan, CJ’s father, with the night shifts. Charlene said they are very happy with Living Links, and that CJ’s occupational therapist is making a big difference.
The Kotzes said that Rappies Pre-Primary has helped them tremendously. CJ is off the nappies he had to wear, and tells his family when he needs to go to the toilet.
Unfortunately the family’s medical aid didn’t cover the ICU or emergency care and they are battling to pay all the bills. CJ’s medication is also very costly, and at the moment the family is without a vehicle.
The Kotzes took the initiative to organise an event for Friday, 5 May, to raise funds to pay CJ’s medical bills, and for the tests at Sunninghill Hospital. Pastor Willie Botha and Letzi Lottering Music School will be at the fundraiser at AGS Randgate.
Entrance will be R50 for adults, and R30 for learners. There will be refreshments on sale, including hot dogs.
The family asks the community to please join them on the day to help improve CJ’s quality of life.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Boy, 6, fights for his life after collapsing
CJ is miraculously on the mend
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