Amile (7) needs R2-m liver transplant

TWO million rand is needed to save the life of seven-year-old Woodlands child, Amile Hlongwane who has been living with the debilitating diagnosis of liver cirrhosis since the age of three.
Liver cirrhosis is a complication of liver disease, which involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scarring of the liver.
A liver transplant is usually advisable for a person suffering with this illness.

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The little girl who enjoys colouring in and stickers has been managing the symptoms since 2013, with constant doctors’ visits and the utmost care at home. However her parents were recently informed that she is in need of an urgent liver transplant. “This is a condition that is not going to get better. She gets bogged down by her incessant itching, she regularly has tummy problems. She has the appetite of a sparrow, which I’m told is to be expected but as a mother it frustrates me no end. But like most children, she’s just always happy and smiling,” said her mother, Phiwo Hlongwane.

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The doctors at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Children’s Hospital have estimated the cost of surgery which covers testing to find a suitable donor, surgery and the hospital stay, at R2-million. “The hospital where this is undertaken is in Johannesburg, where she would then be an outpatient post-surgery for however long it takes. Her dad and I both work but the cost of this surgery is insurmountable for us. My colleagues at work suggested I try raise funds through ‘BackaBuddy’ which is a crowd funding platform,” said Phiwo.
So far, the BackaBuddy campaign has raised R5,826.90, a mere sliver of what is needed to keep her child alive and healthy. “Like any parent, I would like her to live a long, healthy life. I would like for her to have all the opportunities I can expose her to for success in her chosen career and life in general. When last we spoke about it, she wanted to become a teacher when she’s grown up but that is forever changing. So far the support has been incredible, really inspiring our family to do more for other children as well. What little you can help us with is appreciated. Amile is a caring, polite and affectionate child, she just loves going to church and to play with her friends. She is a girl’s girl who loves all things pink and sparkly.”

Pitta Patta, a pre-school Amile attended plans to start a campaign to help the Hlongwanes with fundraising.

Teacher, Kerry-Lee van Wyk said she taught Amile from the age of three and had noticed the colour of her eyes were yellow, a sign of liver disease. When the Hlongwane’s confirmed her suspicion, she was heartbroken to learn a liver transplant was needed.

“Amile is such a lovely child and always so happy and caring. I taught her swimming and she was always willing to learn, I just pray she gets this transplant. Owner and principal of Pitta Patta, Jackie Goncalves and staff are in talks about starting a campaign which we would like the community to support. This is after all for this precious child who deserves a second chance to live,” she said.

For more information or to support the fundraising visit the BackABuddy site at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/liver-transplant-for-amile

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