Help Sandra get a second chance at life

For years, Sandra Bester (54), a well-known staff nurse, has been a pillar of strength and compassion in her community, dedicating her life to caring for others. Her selfless nature and unwavering commitment to her patients have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and families alike.

However, life has taken a dramatic turn for Sandra, as she previously found out that she was diagnosed with stage 4 heart failure and collapsed lungs in November 2023. She now faces a daunting medical journey. Despite her health struggles, her first concern remains the well-being of her patients, as she continues working at a retirement home where she loves and cares for those who are in need.

Upon arrival at Sandra’s home, Roodepoort Northsider journalist Tshegofatso Thobedi spoke briefly to Sandra’s partner Dalene Horsman about her condition. Seated comfortably in her chair after a long day of working, Sandra explained that she had swine flu in April 2023, which caused her lungs to deteriorate.

“I was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital three times due to my heart slowly failing, and each time I was told that my condition was becoming worse. The doctor told me that I am diagnosed with inferior ischemia, which is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the inferior wall of the heart is reduced.

“The doctor at the time prescribed hypertensive medication for the time being, but I was told that I needed to see a cardiologist. Having such a life-threatening condition with no medical aid is very difficult. I need to lose a lot of weight, but I choose to remain positive and keep doing what I love, which is helping others. I know that God has bigger plans for me,” Sandra said.

Her partner Dalene took the initiative to set up a Back-a-Buddy account for medical assistance, as it was too expensive to see a specialist, purchase the required equipment, and purchase a monthly injection for Sandra’s weight loss.

“Sandra sometimes struggles to walk to the gate, and when she takes a few days off from work, she can only sit in one chair. When we have our regular appointments at the clinic, she has to remain standing because she is unable to sit on any other chair.

“We have an oxygen machine, which we borrowed from our neighbours, that we use in the evening for her to sleep properly because we also can’t afford the prescribed oxygen machine. We are asking the community to assist with any small donations to help Sandra at least get a second chance at life and continue helping others,” Dalene said.

If you would like to generously donate to Sandra to have a second chance at life to continue helping those in need, the link to her Back-a-Buddy is: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/heart-and-lungs.