“We were able to pay the outstanding accounts with donations we received, for which we are so grateful,” said 24-year-old Cherese van der Berg, the mother of 14-month-old Lian Nieuwoudt.
Read the initial article here: Parents’ plea for help for their son
Lian was born with a rare genetic disorder called Thrombocytopenia with absent radius (Tar). “Those born with this syndrome do not have a radius bone in their forearms, and also have a very low blood platelet count,” said Cherese. “To ensure that Lian’s platelet count is not too low and to avoid a blood transfusion, he must visit the hospital for a thorough check-up every month. He is monitored by a dietitian to ensure that he grows satisfactorily, and is being treated by an immunity specialist as well. ”
Even though they are members of a medical aid, not all procedures are covered and they are responsible for all co-payments. Cherese said that Lian needs to go for a bone marrow biopsy on 25 October for which they need to pay R5 800. In addition to this, the current doctor’s accounts for June, July and August already total R3 000. “If he stays healthy, Lian will only need to visit the gastrologist next year, but if he gets sick again, he would have to go immediately,” Cherese said.
“We will be hosting a fundraising event for Lian at the Cresta Barnyard on 13 October at 8 pm.
The tickets are R180 per person, and people attending the show will also be able to order a meal from a pre-selected menu, which means that some of the money from that will also be going towards Lian’s medical bills,” she said.
She added that tickets can be booked by contacting her on 061 497 6805 or her mother, Linda van der Berg on 078 599 3214.
According to Cherise, the Barnyard event is to raise money for Lian’s immediate needs, but they have long-term solutions as well. “We have finally managed to register a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) for Lian, and we will also be starting a mobile car wash business. We have a mobile unit that can be taken to offices or business premises to wash the employees’ cars. We will also be offering monthly packages at competitive prices. For more information on this business, send an email to liannieuwoudt@gmail.com,” she said.
Any donations towards Lian’s care can be made to the following account:
TAR Syndrome Foundation (Reg No K2017284089)
ABSA Northgate
Account number: 9330723660
Branch Code: 632005
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
