Community rallies for Ballito single mom

After spending seven days in ICU at Stanger Hospital, Ballito resident Lizette Steyn, who was found unconscious in her home earlier this month, seemed to finally be on the road to recovery.

But after taking another turn for the worse this weekend, Lizette (38) has been left fighting for her life, while her family continue fighting the financial battle to keep her in hospital.

The single mother of three was initially diagnosed with severe influenza, which caused pneumonia in both lungs. This caused her to fall unconscious due to severe lack of oxygen to the brain.

Her condition deteriorated to the point where she needed to be placed on a ventilator.

In an unexpected turn of events, Lizette began showing signs of improvement on May 18 and was moved from ICU to High Care and began breathing on her own.

“After Liz was discharged from Stanger (Saturday, May 19) it seemed she was making progress at home, slowly but surely,” said her sister, Chantal Kidgell.

“On Wednesday things changed and she began deteriorating. She was in and out of hospital on Thursday and Friday.”

Lizette suffered a seizure on Sunday, May 27 and has now been admitted back into ICU at Victoria Hospital.

“Stanger Hospital currently have no beds available and she has no choice but to stay at Victoria Hospital – which requires a R40 000 deposit and R18 000 a night to stay in ICU.”

Doctors have now diagnosed her with Encephalitis inflammation on the brain which explains the confusion and headaches.

Community rallies

A GoGetFunding page was set up shortly after Lizette was admitted into hospital earlier this month.

The initial target of R30 000 was reached in only four days, however as she is now back in hospital, the target has been raised to R60 000.

As Lizette does not have medical aid, the bills are adding up and the family is desperately appealing to the community to make donations, big or small.

“We have no choice but to trust that we will raise the funds to keep her alive and in good hands,” said Chantal.

“We will transfer her to Stanger if and when they have a bed available, and if she is stable enough to be transferred.”

If you would like to donate to Lizette’s fund, click HERE.

To assist with immediate payments, you can donate directly to:

• Mrs Chantal Kidgell
• Acc number 240875192
• Standard Bank
• Ballito

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