Hope for baby Hancko from Standerton
Little Hancko is a four month old infant, struggling with a disease that could cause brain damage.
Hancko Strydom is only four months old but is suffering from scaphocephaly, a condition that could lead to serious brain damage if it goes untreated.
Hancko is a happy baby with many smiles and laughs to share. He lives with his parents and grandparents in Meyerville and has an older brother, Nicko, who is four years old.
The family discovered Hancko’s condition after realising his head was growing at an alarming rate. After taking him to a clinic, the Strydoms were referred to a paediatrician in Secunda, who diagnosed Hancko with scaphocephaly.
“When Hancko was born his skull was already developed and his fontanels (the soft spots on a baby’s head which hardens over time), have already hardened,” explained Liesie van der Merwe, Hancko’s grandmother.
According to Liesie, this means that little Hancko’s brain has no space to grow and has now began growing into his sinus cavities. Hancko’s condition has touched this family in many ways.
“Knowing your child is sick and not being able to do much yourself makes you feel helpless as a parent,” said mom, Elmoné Strydom.
Luckily Elmoné and her husband, Pieter, are not living this nightmare alone. Their close-knit family is always around to keep them positive and give them hope.
“I will do anything to see my children healthy,” added Pieter.
The young family does not have medical aid and local state hospitals are not performing this type of surgery.
Recounting their emotional journey, Liesie explained that a pro bono operation at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town was secured for Hancko in November.
This spark of hope has already impacted the family deeply. However, they are still liable for additional costs such as their travel to Cape Town.
A back-A-Buddy fund has been created to raise money for the family’s stay in Cape Town for the duration of Hancko’s hospital visit from November 16 until the first week in January.
The family has already received immense help from local businesses and the community. MMC for Community Services and Safety, Corné Stoltz, paired with Lekwa Rescue held a raffle where ticket buyers stood a chance to win a sheep.
This money will be used for little Hancko’s medical care. The raffle draw took place on a live video and the winner of the sheep was Jess Venter.
“We cannot express our gratitude enough, what the community has done to help us is unbelievable,” expressed Elmoné.
“We are grateful for everyone who has contributed and continues contributing to help our baby, we ask that you keep us in your prayers,” concluded Elmoné.
Anyone willing to help the family can donate to their Back-A-Buddy fund. The link https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/hancko-strydom is available on the Standerton Advertiser Facebook page.
