Walk in support of Ruby
The Walk 4 Ruby will take place at the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge on 16 June from 10am.
The posters are up, the entertainment planned, the route marked.
Fourteen-year-old Ruby Ballack‘s rare disease has touched the hearts of many in and around Krugersdorp. Ruby has Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and doctors have given her a mere three to four years to live.
But, like many things in life, there is still has a chance.
Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue are all symptoms Ruby has to deal with while waiting for the miracle operation that would save her life – an organ transplant. Ruby’s doctor said last year that young donor organs are very scarce and her pulmonary pressure is very high, making a heart transplant for this aspiring artist close to impossible.
“Ruby underwent a right and left heart catheterisation procedure in December, after which her doctors disclosed that the pulmonary pressure did not drop and that the damage to her lungs is permanent. This precludes her from ever receiving a heart transplant,” Wanda Ballack, Ruby’s mother, said. Ruby now has to have a heart-and-lung transplant, and not one or the other.
Ruby was declared fit for such an operation by the Milpark Hospital. Both Ruby and Wanda are actively spreading awareness about this rare disorder while waiting for the big phone call – the one telling them that a donor heart and lungs have become available.
The Walk 4 Ruby, which will take place at the Aurora Restaurant situated at the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge on 16 June, will be a platform for raising awareness about becoming an organ donor, and promises to be a fun-filled family day.
Restaurant owner, David Dreyer, said there will be a two and a five kilometre walk, with scenic views of the Krugersdorp Ridge, Muldersdrift and the Magalies Mountains in the distance. You may even see a brave bungee jumper and a waterfall on the five kilometre walk, after which you can light a fire at one of the many braais. Braai packs will be available.
Wanda told the News that the proceeds of the day will be contributed to Ruby’s trust fund.
“A new up-and-coming artists, Rohan, will be the main entertainment for the day. There will be craft and food stalls too. You can still book yours at R200 per stall. Gates open at 9.30am at R30 per person. Pre-schoolers enter for free,” she said.
For more information about the walk or Ruby, contact Wanda on 082 773 9053.
Also read:
• Hope towers over teen’s short life expectancy
• Hundreds get tested for heart-related conditions
