UPDATE: Next step for brave Max

AFTER a critical fall left young Max du Preez (4) in a coma for over a month, former Empangeni residents Frans and Danni du Preez are ready to take the next step towards their son’s road to recovery.

Sustaining a serious brain injury within a month of their emigration to Canada, Max has been in a medically induced coma since 3 April following bleeding on the brain and is now slowly showing a sign of progress.

Undergoing rehabilitation at the Sunny Hill Rehabilitation Centre for the past two weeks, Max is ready to take the next big step towards his recovery – a cranioplasty procedure (bone flap surgery).

A section of his skull was removed shortly after the fall to allow for the severe swelling of his brain. The procedure is designed to repair or reshape irregularities or imperfections in the skull using a bone graft.

It is not known what the long-term prognosis of Max’s injury is at this stage, though positive messages and grateful thanks for support are being received from both Frans and Danni, who remain at Max’s bedside constantly.

Flood of support

Throughout Zululand, online prayer groups and messages of support have been flooding in for the popular little boy, his brother and his parents.

Max’s uncle Gert du Preez has opened an online ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign to assist with fund-raising, and all funds received will go towards Max’s medical treatment and recovery in the months ahead.

This week the $14,000 mark was reached and donations are still coming in.

Anyone who would like to assist financially is invited to visit the ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign page at www.gofundme.com/maxdupreez