Demi still needs your help
'Unfortunately it didn't generate the funds we were hoping for. We are still desperately in need of about R50 000.'
On Saturday, February 12, Hoërskool Florida learner, Demi Schroder hosted a Fundraiser Market Day at the NG Kerk Constantiakruin for generate funds for the second phase of her bladder procedure.
The first phase was completed successfully on Monday, January 31.
“There has been an exceptional improvement of more than 70%. Thanks to my bladder’s positive reaction, they were able to implement the second phase of the procedure,” Demi explained.
The second phase was subsequently implemented on Monday, February 14 which, according to her mother Thea Schroder, went relatively well.
“Only her blood pressure is a bit tricky at the moment. Apart from that we believe she’s going to be just fine. She just has to recover from the surgery and then we’ll take it from there,” she explained.
The 16-year-old Demi has had bladder problems since the age of ten. Her bladder would leak and get infected very easily. Even though the medication prescribed when she was first diagnosed was effective, the problem reoccurred a few years down the line.
After various tests, her urologist, Doctor Corné van Graan, suggested a last resort – an interstim sacral neuromodulation procedure. This is better known as a ‘bladder pacemaker’.
This procedure comprises of two phases and currently costs Demi’s single mother around R170 000. While the first phase required Demi to carry an external, temporary unit for two weeks, the second phase consisted of a permanent pacemaker which was implanted below her skin.
In an effort to lighten the load, this dedicated small business owner and proud JBD Jewellery agent hosted a Market Day where all funds raised went towards the second phase of Demi’s procedure.
“Demi really put a lot of effort and thought into organising the market day. Unfortunately it didn’t generate the funds we were hoping for. We are still desperately in need of about R50 000,” Thea said.
“Demi’s drummy coach was so kind as to donate a sheep, which we are currently raffling off for R50 a ticket. We are hoping this would generate a bit more funds which would bring us closer to our goal.”
Both mother and daughter thank everyone who has donated and supported her cause thus far. Demi is looking forward to having a normal functioning bladder in the near future which will enable her to participate in all her favourite sports once again.
If you would like to contribute, buy a raffle ticket or find out more, contact Demi’s mother, Thea on 079 877 7352 or visit the BackaBuddy page here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/demi-schroder.
