Brackendowns’ Hamer family needs your help

The despondent Hamer family had heavy hearts after rushing Elzaan, a mother of two, to an emergency health facility on January 24.

Leonard Hamer, Elzaan’s husband, told the Alberton Record that it was exactly 22:00 when his wife’s health unexpectedly declined after experiencing a severe headache, vomiting and showing signs of a stiff neck, and had to be rushed to hospital.

He said Elzaan started complaining of a headache and unpleasant neck pains on January 18. On January 22, she saw a doctor, who told her it was a neck spasm and gave her an injection and prescription for a muscle relaxer.

“On Wednesday, she went to the doctor again and was given another medicine, which, we were told, was much stronger than the one previously prescribed. Later that evening, she started vomiting heavily. Despite lacking medical aid, I rushed her to a private hospital,” Leonard said.

In the hospital, she underwent a computed tomography scan (CT scan). She was discharged after being with the doctors for a few hours with a diagnosis of a neck spasm requiring physiotherapy.

However, her condition continued to deteriorate over the following days.

Elzaan’s condition worsened on January 28 when they were getting ready to move to Cambodia, Asia. She had slurred speech and numbness, indicating signs of potential stroke.

“We rushed her back to hospital, where further tests revealed an extensive venous sinus thrombosis in her brain. In simple terms, she had a blood clot in her brain,” Elzaan’s husband said.

Elzaan’s usual life

The family has lived in Brackenhurst for a long time.

They described Elzaan as a loving mother to her two boys, Luan and Wian, and a loving wife to her husband.

She was employed full-time until she resigned last December when they planned to relocate overseas.

“One thing about our mom, she did everything with us. Even the smallest things, like ensuring our faces are clean when we go to school or the mall and combing our hair. One thing she did not like was seeing someone suffer.

One of the biggest things she taught us is always to help where we can,” Luan and Wian said.

They said their mum would give her last R50 to anyone needing it more than her.

The family had sold everything from property to their vehicles because of relocating to Asia.

The family said it has been a short time without her, but they already miss her and wish her a speedy recovery.

Family’s appeal

Leonard said his wife had to be transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where the waiting times and overcrowding posed additional risks to her already critical condition.

“She has now suffered from a seizure, which has led to her condition worsening day by day. CT and MRI scans need to be done to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

“I am appealing to everyone who can help in any amount to please assist,” he said.

“In the meantime, the doctors are keeping a close eye on Elzaan.”

How to donate?

A BackABuddy fund was established to collect donations for Elzaan’s ongoing medical treatment and related costs.

The family pleads with the public to stand by them in helping Elzaan get through this difficult time.

“Your support, prayers, and donations are greatly appreciated because they work to preserve her life and improve her health.

“Please consider donating to Elzaan’s fund and sharing this appeal with your networks. That little amount can make a difference and give Elzaan a chance to be the loving mother, wife, daughter and vibrant young woman she has always been,” the husband said.

Individuals wanting to donate can do so with this account:

Bank: Capitec

Account holder: Liani Pretorius

Account number: 1810385189

Swift/BIC number: CABLZAJJ

Branch code: 470010

Reference number: Elzaan Healing

Alternatively, visit Elzaan Therapy and Needs.

For more information or to contact the family, call Leonard on 081 400 4802.