UPDATE: Community rallies for critical Stanger mom

A Stanger mother who is fighting for her life after being told she was going into complete renal failure earlier this month, received life-changing news this week thanks to the support of her community.

Single mother of two, Vanessa Reddy (35), had her life turn upside down in the blink of an eye after being diagnosed with 5th stage renal failure on August 1.

Also read: Critical Stanger mom urgently needs donations for dialysis

After a routine visit to her local GP, she was referred to Stanger Hospital for blood tests and was told she will need to undergo peritoneal dialysis three times a week, as well as have a temporary catheter inserted.

Due to a 12-month waiting period on her medical aid, both the catheter surgery and dialysis sessions would have to be paid for upfront.

After an article was published on The Courier website last week appealing for donations, Ballito resident and East Coast Radio presenter Damon Beard immediately jumped on board to assist wherever possible.

“I have chatted to Vanessa and am now going to be meeting her to see how we can find her a sponsor. Thank you for letting me know about her and I’ll do all I can to help,” said Beard.

On Monday afternoon, Beard invited Reddy to the ECR offices and revealed the exciting news – the Ahmed Al Kadi Private Hospital and the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa have come on board and will sponsor both the surgery, which was scheduled for 11am on Tuesday, as well as a year’s worth of dialysis – a life changer for Reddy.

“The cost of access surgery for the catheter is over R25 000 which is being provided free of charge through a partnership with the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa(Imasa), Netcare St Augustine Hospital, Dr Ahmed Kadwa (vascular surgeon) and Dr Shuaib Akoonjee (Anaethetist),” said Beard.

“Imasa and Ahmed Al Kadi Private Hospital will be sponsoring the dialysis in a Renal Unit in Stanger for the next 12 months.”

Reddy will be featured on Beard’s Big Favour show on Wednesday morning on East Coast Radio at 10.20am.

Community rallies

Reddy’s sister, Jenny Singh, said she has been overwhelmed by the community rallying to support them after creating a Facebook support page, Helping Vanessa on her journey, to share her sister’s story.

“Last week we had almost no hope, but today has been the start of a new beginning.”

The Team 44fifty Car Club has also joined forces and is accepting donations from in and around Stanger, which will be donated to Reddy’s sister, Jenny Singh after their rally drive this Saturday.

If you would like to make a donation contact Suran Moodley on 079 785 6677.

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