Urgent help needed to save Conor

The health of eight-year-old Conor van Baalen, who is suffering from a kidney disease, has taken a worrying turn, and his family is appealing to the community for assistance.

According to his grandmother, Santie Botha of Sunward Park, Conor continues to undergo dialysis three to four times a week in Sandton. It’s a gruelling routine for the young boy, and the family fears that without it, he may not survive more than a week.

“Conor is very sick at the moment and is not doing well. The dialysis is keeping him alive, but it’s not a long-term solution. We are desperately hoping for another transplant,” said Botha.

The boy, who lives in Brakpan, was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that is often difficult to treat and affects each patient differently.

Diagnosed when he was just 22 months old, his condition has proven resistant to most treatments. After his first transplant in 2020, thanks to a selfless donor, Danie de Wet, the family had renewed hope.

FSGS is not a single disease but a pattern of kidney damage and is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome, especially in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, due to the genetic nature of the disease, the transplanted kidney began to fail.

Recently, Conor’s mother, Santie van Baalen, underwent medical testing and was believed to be a suitable match to donate a kidney to her son. However, the family has since received troubling news.

“We’ve now been told that she may not be able to donate after all. We are still waiting for final confirmation, but it’s a huge blow,” said the grandmother.

Despite the uncertainty, Van Baalen remains willing to do whatever it takes. “She would give anything for her child, even if another transplant only gives him a few more years. She’s clinging to hope that medical science will advance during that time and offer Conor a better chance.”

On top of the emotional strain, the financial pressure has become overwhelming. The family’s medical aid has been exhausted, and expenses continue to mount, from hospital and medication costs to travel for treatment.

How you can help
The family is now making a public appeal for help, both financially and medically.

Financial donations can be made via Conor’s official campaign page.

Anybody who can assist can call the grandmother on 082 959 0753 or visit: www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/conor-van-baalen-5661700690121751995

Also Read: Mother is a possible kidney donor for Conor

Also Read: Hope for little Conor a year after kidney transplant