Mbombela community rallies to support baby Caleb
Caleb van Wyk needs R800 000 to perform his needed surgery and cover additional medical costs.
The story of eight-month-old Caleb van Wyk has captured the hearts of people across South Africa after he was diagnosed with hemimegalencephaly (HME) in July last year.
HME is a severe brain condition in which one side of the brain grows abnormally, causing intractable epilepsy that cannot be outgrown.
After Caleb’s diagnosis, his paediatrician informed the family that he would need brain surgery.
Mass bike ride to raise funds
A mass bike ride to raise funds for Caleb was held in town on Saturday. Members of the Lowveld Old Wheels Club, Freedom Motorcycles, Lowveld Motorbike Community and Crusaders Motorcycle Club, alongside local businesses, met at the Freedom Motorcycles’ premises to lend their support.
@lowvelder WATCH: A mass Ride for Child Caleb to raise funds for his life-saving operation. Diagnosed at one month old with the rare brain condition hemimegalencephaly, Caleb suffers severe seizures and impaired brain development. > Video: Tumelo Waga Dibakwane
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The ride was initiated by Dr André Hattingh, a retired neurosurgeon and founder of the non-profit, Pediatric Care Africa, to raise awareness and encourage donations for Caleb’s BackaBuddy campaign.
7 000km across South Africa
He travels about 7 000km across South Africa each year to support the underprivileged and children in need of medical care
Hattingh explained that Caleb’s surgery must ideally take place before he turns two, as a young brain is more adaptable and can learn to take over new functions faster.
He and voluntary riders travelled through Mbombela, continuing to Johannesburg and Pretoria, and will complete the ride in Cape Town.
Caleb’s family needs R800 000 to cover travel costs between Mbombela and Cape Town for consultations and surgery.
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The operation will be performed by Dr James Butler, a neurosurgeon at Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.
The funds will also cover accommodation, living expenses, and medical costs not covered by Caleb’s medical aid.
“Caleb is growing well and getting stronger. As he grows, his medication needs are adjusted,” said Larochelle.
Late last year, he was placed on a fourth medication due to severe seizures.
He now has a PEG tube, which allows milk and medication to be delivered directly into his stomach.
This was necessary after he had seizures while drinking milk and aspirated.
So far, a total of R62 794 has been raised.
Larochelle thanked Lowvelder for writing the first story, which led to further support from organisations across the country.
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There is a possibility that Caleb could undergo surgery as soon as April if sufficient donations are raised.
