Hoedspruit family appeals for help as Troy fights on
After years battling a rare tumour, a Hoedspruit teen is back in intensive care with suspected CSF leak complications as doctors monitor his condition.
HOEDSPRUIT – After years of battling a rare medical condition, Troy Matthysen is once again fighting for his health, with his family appealing to the community for support as he faces potentially life-threatening complications.
Troy, who has spent years battling Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA), a rare tumour that develops behind the nose, is currently hospitalised at Hoedspruit Private Hospital, where doctors are assessing him for a suspected Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak.
The condition, which involves the leakage of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can increase the risk of meningitis and other serious infections.
For Troy and his family, the latest setback marks another frightening chapter in an already difficult medical journey.
Troy remains in intensive care
His father, Jeff Matthysen, said Troy remains in intensive care, where doctors are closely monitoring his condition following complications involving meningitis.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Jeff recently shared encouraging news, revealing that his son’s heart rate had decreased and that he was showing signs of responsiveness.
“I spoke to the doctor this morning. He is doing a bit better and is a bit responsive this morning,” Jeff told the Herald at the time of print on Monday.
He explained that doctors had administered antibiotics and were cautiously monitoring Troy’s progress.
“The antibiotics are working, but this is very, very slow, and his heart rate has come down, so that’s wonderful news.”
Family holds on to hope amid uncertainty
However, Troy’s condition remains serious. According to Jeff, doctors have had to sedate him because of severe restlessness associated with meningitis, which caused him to pull at medical equipment.
Jeff said doctors had reassured him that Troy was receiving medication to manage his pain. For a father watching his son endure yet another medical battle, the experience has been devastating.
“I was with him last night, and to see him in that state was terrible again,” he said.
Yet, amid the uncertainty, the family refuses to surrender hope.
Troy is our inspiration.
“Despite everything he is going through, his fight reminds us how precious life is and how much strength the human spirit can carry, even in the darkest moments,” Jeff said.
Stand by Troy campaign appeals for donations
Through the Stand by Troy campaign, the family is appealing for donations to assist with mounting medical expenses and ensure Troy continues receiving the care he desperately needs.
Jeff expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has already contributed, prayed, or shared messages of encouragement.
“Every donation, every prayer, every message, and every act of kindness means more to us than words could ever explain.”
Contact Jeff at 065 670 9642 for more information.
Read more about Troy’s journey:
- Plea for help to save Troy’s life
- Troy’s surgery is a success
- Troy’s health still at risk
- Troy out of danger
- Bleeding causes major setback in Troy’s health
- Hoedspruit teen Troy faces new health scare
- Hoedspruit teen’s family shares heartbreaking update
