Toddler from Kinross loses his battle to kidney and bone mineral disease
Rainhardt Engelbrecht (2) died at home, surrounded by his parents and family on October 18.
“We told him it is fine for him to let go and that we will be okay.”
These were the words of Pascale Engelbrecht, mother of two-year-old Rainhardt, who lost his battle to bilateral multi-cystic dysplastic kidney disease and mineral bone disease.
Rainhardt died in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his parents Pascale and Daryll and family members, on October 18.
Rainhardt was admitted to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital on October 2 with an infection in his PD catheter, where the doctors had administered his dialysis.
They rushed him to Mediclinic Sandton on October 3. That same day doctors broke the news to his parents that all dialysis and treatment would be stopped immediately and the PD catheter would not be removed.
Their hope that he could receive an alternative haemodialysis was completely ruled out because of his high risk and his fragile state.
A kidney transplant was no longer an option and no doctor in the world would have performed such a high-risk surgery.
All they could offer was palliative care and to make his last days as comfortable as possible. Rainhardt was transported back to Mediclinic Highveld for palliative care, closer to home.
His parents decided after the curative medication had stopped to bring him home on October 15.
Rainhardt had a 24-hour nurse from Lambano Sanctuary with him at home, allowing his parents to love and nurture him, while the nurse took care of his nursing needs.
Pascale said, “His passing extremely hurt us, but we are so proud of him. He was such a strong and happy boy. We are grateful for his nephrology team at NMCH and his paediatrician, Dr Adams.”
Messages of condolences have been streaming in from around the world from people who have followed his journey.
ALSO CHECK:Â Baby Rainhardt needs your help
Rainhardt has been described as a little hero who taught people how to be brave and deal with adversity through his successes and struggles in such a short period.
“So many have been on his journey and praying along with him and his family.
“They got to see his absolute courage and love every day. Rainhardt was a mighty warrior, loved by many around the world and will never be forgotten,” said a close family friend from Canada.
Follow Rainhardt’s Kidney journey on Facebook.
ALSO CHECK: Kinross toddler continues to battle medical problems
