Jonathan Cocklin (10) needs money for eye operation
"He is unable to concentrate for long periods of time, and we don't want to send him to school due to the swelling because he is scared he might get bullied," said Ms Von Rauenstein.
SECUNDA – As a baby, Jonathan Cocklin (10) sustained an injury to his tear gland on the inside of his left top eyelid.
Over the years, although uncomfortable, the gland seemed to have shrunk and was never cause for concern until last year when Jonathan became a victim of bullying.
According to Jonathan’s mother, Ms Lee Anne von Rauenstein, a fellow learner threw a school bag in Jonathan’s face. The bag struck his eye.
“Since then, the gland began swelling again and now causes difficulty in vision. Jonathan has double vision and suffers with headaches.
“He is unable to concentrate for long periods of time, and we don’t want to send him to school due to the swelling because he is scared he might get bullied,” said Ms Von Rauenstein.
Since the first bullying incident, Ms Von Rauenstein had taken her son out of school and enrolled him at Laerskool Goedehoop. She said she is extremely grateful to the school for understanding Jonathan’s condition.
Laerskool Goedehoop also helped Jonathan with brand new school uniforms, as well as a year’s bursary.
After three visits to a doctor in Secunda, it was decided the only way this can be treated is to operate.
As a single mother’s life has not always been kind to Ms Von Rauenstein.
Due to a retrenchment last year, she saw herself losing everything, including her flat and has been battling to find work since.
Through the generosity of her family, she manages to make ends meet, but is still in need of money in order for Jonathan to have the operation.
The deposit of the Pretoria Eye Institute will be R20 000.
An amount of R7 200 is needed for specialist Dr Gous.
The anaesthetist’s fee is R3 620.
These are all estimated amounts and the total might even be more.
Jonathan will also need to do the standard procedure of Covid-19 tests before the operation and then there is money needed for transport and other smaller expenses.
The family expects the costs to reach close to R50 000.
“We have been in contact with the Acorn Foundation and they are assisting us where possible, however because of Covid-19, Jonathan needs to be tested first and when the operation takes place, we will need to stay in a guest house in Pretoria and will also be needing money for petrol to get there,” said Ms Von Rauenstein
Both Jonathan and his mother will need to be in Pretoria by 25 August with the operation to take place on the 26 August.
If you want to donate towards Jonathan’s operation, you can use the following account details:
J Cocklin, Capitec, account number 1702310378.
Alternatively, you can use the Acorn Foundation account details:
Acorn Foundation NPC, Absa cheque account number 4078619720.
For more information, contact Ms Von Rauenstein at 078 936 9207.
