Alberton High pupil needs funds for his medical expenses
Jacques Engelbecht is asking for financial assistance towards his son’s medical expenses as the family is struggling to keep up with the medical costs that come with Triston's medical condition.
Triston Engelbrecht, a matric student at Alberton High School and a dynamic first-team rugby player recognised for his high energy and team enthusiasm, has been dealing with serious health issues since September 21, last year.
Triston went through emergency surgery for a tear in his diaphragm and a perforated ulcer in September. Eight months later, his doctors have not found the cause behind his medical issue.
Triston was admitted back to the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital on October 20, where he was diagnosed with more difficulties. He was then subsequently moved to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on October 27.
His doctors discovered that the young man had a blood clot between his spleen and liver, which causes hepatic vein obstruction that prevents blood from flowing out of the liver and back into the heart. This blockage has caused damage to Triston’s liver.
Triston is set to undergo another surgical procedure.
Urgent treatment
“He must soon receive treatment for his liver to prevent irreversible damage, however, we now wait for confirmation if he will go for a splenectomy or not,” said Jacqueline Havenga, Triston’s sister.
According to Havenga, Triston also requires testing for probable bladder and renal damage as a result of his long-term usage of pain drugs.
Despite multiple tests, the fundamental reason for his illness is unknown, and his medical team at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has yet to decide on a treatment plan.
During the initial examination, doctors discovered signs and symptoms of lymphoma cancer, and they were doing additional testing because of the deterioration of the clotting in his blood.
Please help
Triston’s medical situation is taking a heavy toll on his father, who is raising Triston as a single parent.
“My heart is sore and broken. Triston has not been going to school since September. He has been in and out of the hospital.
“What hurts me is that I cannot do much to help him. I can only visit him and spend time with him at the hospital.
He has lost so much weight. I am sure those who know him would not recognise him,” said Jacques.
Family and friends have launched a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to cover medical expenses not provided by government facilities.
As Triston’s health continues to deteriorate, his family and friends are urgently trying to raise funds to cover the unforeseen medical expenses and alleviate financial pressure, and possibly transfer Triston to a private facility as soon as possible to get immediate medical care.
Havenga says this effort is critical to increasing his chances of recovery and providing the best possible care.
BackaBuddy link
Support can be offered via BackaBuddy.
Account Details
Donations can also be made directly to the family using the following banking details:
Bank name: Standard Bank
Branch name: CAPEGATE
Branch code: 3910
Account holder: Mrs Jacqueline J Havenga
Account number: 10 15 665 911 3
Account type: Current
SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
For further queries or information, contact Havenga on 065 880 8427or send an email to jackideng@gmail.com
