How many times can Loz cheat death? You can help

A caring sister is desperate to raise R400 000 for a new drug which will increase the life expectancy of her sister (31) who suffers from cystic fibrosis (CF).

“In 2014, we lost our sister Jenny (32) to CF before this medication became available, so our thoughts are filled with what ifs. My father was recently retrenched and since Lorryn relies on my parents for medical expenses, I have taken it upon myself to raise money to help save my sister before time runs out,” said Belinda Nell.

The family lived in Birchleigh for 25 years, but recently moved to Midrand in order to be closer to Mediclinic Sandton and Milpark Hospital in case of emergencies and for Lorryn’s treatment.

“The medication costs R400 000 plus, depending on the exchange rate. These drugs have the ability to increase a person’s lung function by up to 30 per cent, thereby enhancing quality of life. A cure is yet to be found,” said Belinda.

“This treatment is life-changing because it increases life expectancy and people with CF can now live well into their 50s and 60s. There are new medical advancements which are currently undergoing clinical trials overseas.”

Lorryn has been oxygen-dependent since November 2018 after an infection caught during a hospital stay caused her lung function to drop to 21 per cent. As she is no longer a lung transplant candidate, this drug is now her only chance to survive or to help her live beyond expectation.

“I have faith and believe miracles can happen and there is hope, but it comes with a price tag. I need help because I cannot do this on my own. Help me make a way for Loz to live a limitless life and make her dreams come true.”

Belinda has started a crowd-funding campaign through backabuddy in the hope to reach her target to get a new gene therapy which in a way “halts” the progression of this silent disease.

According to Belinda, Lorryn has cheated death on numerous occasions over the past two years.

“Doctors have even prepared us for the worst and told us to say our goodbyes. As soon as we did just that, something short of a miracle happened because Lorryn always fought back and the following day she began to slowly recover, which astounded the doctors. The question in the back of my mind is: Just how many times can Loz cheat death?

“Surely a person who fights an everyday battle since the first day they are born is deserving of a chance at receiving lifesaving treatment.”

What is cystic fibrosis?

It is a genetic disease which primarily affects the lungs and pancreas. A person is born with CF, as it is hereditary. The number of CF warriors diagnosed worldwide is increasing, yet awareness is still minimal and the treatment is very costly, especially for South Africans.

CF is characterised by the production of abnormal mucus that is excessively thick and sticky. The abnormal mucus leads to blockages within the lungs and airways. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections that can damage the lungs, so basically a sufferer can “drown”.

The secondary organs that are affected are the kidneys, intestines, liver and sinuses.

Although Belinda does not have CF, she is a carrier.

“If two people who are carriers of the CF mutation bear children, there is a 50/50 chance that their offspring will be born either as a carrier or with CF. Both my parents are carriers, but this disease was rare and unheard of in the 1980s and patients were often misdiagnosed. Luckily, my son does not have CF,” Belinda said.

To contribute to the fund, click here