Boy needs another kidney
Conor was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease which is often difficult to treat.
More than four years after a kidney transplant, Conor van Baalen (11) needs another kidney.
Conor’s grandmother, Santie Botha from Sunward Park, previously explained that at 22 months, Conor became extremely ill.
Two months later, after undergoing several tests, Conor went for a kidney biopsy.
Conor, who lives in Brakpan, was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that is often difficult to treat, affecting each patient differently.
FSGS is not a single disease but rather a pattern of kidney damage and is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome, especially in children and adolescents.
Conor’s nephrologist tried several treatments and by the end of 2017, doctors confirmed that Conor’s FSGS was steroid-resistant.
The only thing that could help Conor was a kidney transplant. His parents, Hennie and Santie, instantly began a quest to find Conor a kidney. About a year later, Danie de Wet overheard Hennie telling people how urgently Conor needed the organ and donated his kidney to the youngster.
The surgery was done at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre on February 25, 2020.
Santie said the kidney transplant was a success, but the new kidney did not last, and Conor’s genetic condition is incurable.
“Conor now has to go for dialysis daily at Morningside Hospital for four hours. Some days are better than others, but it is taxing on his body and makes him tired. He has been unable to attend school, but his twin brother, Kody, brings school work home for him,” said Santie.
The concerned grandmother told the Boksburg Advertiser the family urgently seeks another kidney donor.
“We were told it might take 10 years for him to get a kidney, which he doesn’t have. Hence, we hope to find another donor soon. Unfortunately, none of his family members are a match.”
Santie said they also need funds to cover his medical bills that are piling up.
“Even taking him daily to Morningside is expensive due to the cost of petrol,” said Santie.
Anybody who can assist can call Santie on 082 959 0753 or visit www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/conor-van-baalen-5661700690121751995
Community members can follow Conor’s journey on Facebook, Hope for Conor, at https://www.facebook.com/hopeforconor/
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