EVERY fleeting second is a moment that The Bluff’s baby Savannah Lanesra Celliers soldiers through the pain.

Savannah, who was diagnosed with Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK) disease, has picked up a kidney infection which has exacerbated the child’s already compromised health. Despite this, Savannah continues to bravely battle the disease with a smile on her face. 

Also read: Saving Savannah: Help brave baby treat kidney condition

What is MCDK?

MCDK disease is an anomaly where her left kidney had developed atypically and lacked functional capacity. Consequently, her right kidney has been compelled to compensate for the lack of function on the other kidney, operating under considerable stress, which has led to the formation of minor scarring and some degree of damage.

Deteriorating kidney

Charlene Celliers, Savannah’s mother, said that her daughter’s condition has deteriorated considerably after she recently picked up a severe kidney infection.

“Her kidney function is already in a bad state from the previous time she was in hospital in October 2025,” said Charlene. 

She added that their previous medical aid had expired, and Savannah’s new medical aid plan would not become active until June 1.

Also read: Must-know basics of chronic kidney disease

“With the nightmare that we are currently facing with our government hospitals, we are just trying to see if we can get her bloods, her urine cultures, ultrasound and an appointment with her nephrologist done privately,” said Charlene. 

Financial burden

However, the financial burden for these private services is substantial, which is why Charlene is calling on the community for assistance once again.

“A single consultation with the nephrologist is estimated at R1 400, with blood tests adding to R852.80. The hospital needs a R25 000 deposit for Savannah’s admission to the paediatric ward. On top of this we need to still find the costs of the urine cultures and ultrasound,” she said.

A bundle of joy

Charlene described Savannah as a joyous and lively child, with a deep love for animals. “She is a jokester and is often laughing. She never lets her ailments dictate her identity,” said Charlene.

How to support?

The Celliers family is urging the community to help get bubbly Savannah her necessary treatment. The family will be holding a family fun day fundraiser for baby Savannah on June 27 at the Fynnlands Sports Club. The day will feature a potjie competition, stalls and jumping castles. Entry will cost R10 per adult and R5 per child.

If you would like to provide direct monetary support, donations can be made via Savannah’s BackaBuddy campaign at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/kidney-stron. Alternatively, donations can be made directly into Charlene’s Capitec bank account – account number: 1482579047.

As acts of support from empathetic community members continued to manifest, Charlene remains hopeful that Savannah’s story would resonate emotionally with the community and help raise the necessary funds.

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