A Pretoria mother, described as radiantly healthy, was suddenly struck down by illness after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
This shocking news came shortly after she began experiencing persistent migraines.
The 38-year-old Michelle Kotze, from Centurion, passed away in the hospital early Tuesday morning at 1:23.
For her husband, Gerrie, and their two beautiful children, Alexa (7) and De Wet (9), her sudden death was a devastating shock, and the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Gerrie and Michelle would have celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in September. Michelle will be remembered as a loving, hands-on mother to her two children.
“It breaks my heart that Michelle passed away. She is now in God’s arms because she was the most beautiful and sincere person I have ever known. She will definitely be missed, as her love for her family and friends knew no bounds,” Gerrie said.
In July, Michelle suffered from migraines for three weeks. She returned to work, but a week later, during a family dinner, her mother noticed that one side of her face was drooping. Rushed to the emergency room, she was immediately admitted, and later that evening, she began experiencing seizures.
A scan revealed a tumor on the right side of her brain, pushing everything to the left. She suffered more seizures and was placed on a ventilator.
Surgery was performed to relieve the swelling in her brain and to conduct a biopsy, which thankfully showed that the tumor was benign. However, days later, a second operation was needed to insert a drain and sensor into the middle of her brain.
Michelle was then placed in an induced coma to allow her body time to heal. Unfortunately, earlier this week, she suffered a setback and passed away at 1:23 AM on Tuesday.
Her mother, Agnesia du Plessis, described Michelle as a flower child who touched the lives of everyone she met.
“She was our flower child, and our hearts are deeply broken. She was special to everyone in her life.”
A BackaBuddy fund has been established to assist the family with medical bills and funeral arrangements. Click here to help the family.
The family faces significant financial strain as they cope with the unexpected tragedy. Michelle’s funeral is scheduled for next week, September 2, at 11:00 AM at the AGS Herlewingsentrum in Mayville, where friends and family are welcome to pay their final respects.
Also read: Brace yourself, Pretoria: Cold fronts to bring unseasonable chill
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