Parents host fundraiser to assist severely ill daughter
"We are taking it day by day but if the cystic hygroma grows too big it will have fatal consequences"
A fundraiser bingo evening is being held to raise money for 11-month-old cystic hygroma patient, Mia-Anne Smit from Bredell, on August 6.
All funds raised will go towards the costs that are not covered by the family’s medical aid to ensure that Mia-Anne lives as healthy as possible.
Mia-Anne was born with a lymphatic malformation which causes sponge-like collections of abnormal channels and spaces, that contain clear fluid, on the left side of her neck.
The diagnosis was made in utero and a planned delivery was done on July 22 last year when Mia-Anne was born at the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria.
“Three weeks after Mia-Anne was born we got concerned about her breathing and we took her to Arwyp Medical Centre in respiratory distress requiring oxygen,” explained mother Zandra van Niekerk.
X-rays, ultrasounds and MRI scans were done and on August 19 she was operated.
“The findings were as expected from the radiology studies. Many cysts of various sizes were found, plunging deep, encroaching and abutting on major neck structures, including the internal jugular vein, carotid artery, trachea, esophagus, pre-vertebral space and multiple nerves. Partial cyst excisions were done but only 80 per cent of the cysts could be removed,” said Van Niekerk.
Upon her follow up appointment in March the cystic hygroma had spread to the right side of her neck as well as down to her chest and no further treatment can be offered as it is now inoperable.
“The doctor explained that all we could do now was hope that Mia-Anne grows faster than the cystic hygroma and that we must take it day by day. If the cystic hygroma grows too big it will have fatal consequences.”
The bingo evening will be held at the Buks Williams Lapa in Impala Park from 4pm and costs are R300 per person, which includes a meal, something to drink and a packet of 20 bingo cards.
“We are asking for any donations to give away as prizes on the day of the event or any sponsors for food. We will also be selling balloons you can exchange for something to drink,” said grandmother, Ria van Niekerk, who is organising the event.
For any further information or donations contact Ria on 083-314-1143.
