Baby Khumoentle needs urgent support for life-saving surgery
After undergoing open-heart surgery earlier this year, the one-year-old now faces another critical procedure, but their medical aid funds are depleted.
The family of one-year-old Khumoentle Phokompe is appealing to the public for urgent financial assistance as their son prepares to undergo another critical heart procedure on Friday, June 12.
Khumoentle was born with a congenital heart condition known as Valvular Atresia/ Stenosis – a serious condition in which a heart valve is either completely closed, missing an opening, or severely narrowed, restricting normal blood flow through the heart.
Earlier this year, the young boy underwent open-heart surgery in an effort to correct the condition. The life-saving procedure came at a cost of just under R500 000, which was partially covered by the family’s medical aid at the time.
However, Khumoentle’s recovery has not progressed as expected.
Since the operation, he has required ongoing medical care, follow-up consultations and additional treatment. Doctors have now scheduled another procedure in hopes of improving his condition and giving him a better chance at recovery.
The family now faces a daunting financial challenge. Their medical aid funds have been exhausted, and despite numerous appeals, requests and detailed motivations from doctors, only partial authorisation has been granted for the upcoming procedure.
Even with this assistance, the approved amount falls far short of what is needed.
So far, the family has managed to raise the R1 200 required to secure a hospital bed, along with a small portion of the R14 000 upfront admission fee required before the procedure can take place. They are also burdened by outstanding balances from Khumoentle’s previous surgery and ongoing treatment, leaving them in significant medical debt.
In a bid to raise the necessary funds, the family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign and is appealing to the community and the public at large for support.
“This journey has been emotionally and financially overwhelming, but we remain hopeful and committed to ensuring that Khumoentle receives the medical care he urgently needs.
Every contribution matters because it brings us a step closer towards giving Khumo a chance at survival,” said Khumoentle’s mom, Boitumelo Phokompe.
Any contribution, no matter how small, could help ensure Khumoentle receives the medical care he urgently needs.
The family remains hopeful that with the support of generous donors, their son will be able to undergo the procedure and continue his fight towards recovery. Boitumelo can be reached by email at phokompeboitumelo@gmail.com or on 065 549 8117.
