Funds needed for medical bills

Anthony Jardim (50), who many may know as sifu Anthony (well-known Muay Thai boxer), was injured in an accident on August 28 at a friend’s braai.

He and his family visited friends for a braai, where the men went out to start the fire.

“There was an explosion and Anthony’s jacket, beany and the rest of his clothes caught alight. He tried to take off the jacket but failed to do so. My stepmother, Anne-Marie, said she could hear my dad scream from the pain,” said Anthony’s daughter, Natanya Barnard.

The other men at the braai tried their best to help Anthony while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
“There was flammable dust on the braaier they weren’t aware of,” said Natanya.

Emergency care needed

Anthony was rushed to the Netcare Union Hospital. On arrival, he immediately went into the theatre so doctors could examine him. They told the family Anthony suffered a partial and full-thickness burn injury, which is a third-degree burn.

“Doctors said my dad would need to go into the theatre every 48 hours so they can scrape off the dead or burnt skin.”

The doctors advised the family he will need more than 10 surgeries, as well as other medical treatments. On September 1, a bed opened up in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s burn unit, and Anthony was transported via ambulance.

Injuries

Anthony is under sedation and transtracheal oxygen therapy.

“My dad’s whole body is covered in bandages,” she added.

According to Natanya, doctors picked up a problem with Anthony’s kidney function and are waiting for a neurologist to determine if he needs to go on a dialysis machine.

Natanya said her father is in a stable condition, but will be under sedation for a while.

The whole front part of his body from his legs to the back of his head burnt.

“Even his eyelids burnt,” she said.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the family are not allowed to see Anthony.

“This is very frustrating, but also understandable as the hospital staff is only doing what is best for the patients. They said due to my dad’s injuries, he could easily get an infection.”

Staying strong

Anthony is also one of the representatives of EBMAS South Africa, through which he taught martial arts and gives private classes at his studio, trained 100s of people over the years.

“We all know my dad is a fighter, and he will fight through this. He has that fighting spirit,” she said.

Faith and a strong support system are what keep the family positive.

“We are all in this together.”

In need of funds

Anne-Marie is not only dealing with her husband’s incident but also with a lot of medical bills. He was admitted to the Union from August 28 to September 1 before he was transferred to a government hospital.

Every time he went into theatre, every 48 hours, it cost the family R135 000.

This is without his ICU stay, which leaves the family with many debts to be paid.

Natanya’s stepsister, Tamblyn Bower, created a Backabuddy page to help raise funds so they can pay off some of the medical bills.

“We request with humble hearts any contributions, nothing is too small. Every bit goes a long way and we have a long road ahead of us,” she said.

To show your support towards Anthony, visit his Backabuddy page to make a financial contribution.

People can also read daily updates about him on Anthony Jardim prayers and support Facebook page.