A TWO-YEAR battle to undergo a heart bypass surgery for Christo Els, 40, a former response officer based on The Bluff, has turned into a nightmare as his family struggles to raise money.

His wife, Chantal, 29, said Christo has been in and out of hospitals in the past two years as doctors at Wentworth Hospital diagnosed him with heart failure.

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Chantal said his heart is not pumping sufficient blood, and he needs surgery to connect an additional vein to improve circulation. This procedure, planned at a private hospital, is estimated to cost around R200 000.

Chantal said in May 2023, Christo suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Wentworth Hospital. She said doctors informed him that he urgently needed a heart bypass surgery and advised him to stop working before his condition worsened.

“Since Wentworth Hospital is not equipped to perform the surgery, Christo was referred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. However, the operation has not yet been done. The hospital informed us that they do not have enough equipment (oxygenators) and that there is a long waiting list. Christo has remained on that list ever since,” said Chantal.

The family has now launched a fundraising drive to help save Christo’s life. His next appointment at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital is scheduled for December 22. However, Chantal fears that the date is too far off as he remains at serious risk.

In February this year, Christo was booked in hospital for his bypass surgery.

“The hospital could not continue with the operation because Christo got an infection and he was sent home. He cannot do anything on his own. Sometimes I have to help him walk to the bathroom as he is battling to breathe. He is also using a nebuliser that helps him to breathe as he has respiratory problems,” she said.

Chantal said due to the shortage of medication in government hospitals, they are forced to cover the cost of the medical procedure that Christo needs to manage his heart condition.

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“Each month, I spend around R1 500 on his prescribed medication. While we collect some of the medication from the hospital, there are times when we have to buy additional medicine,” she said. Chantal said they have also created a BackaBuddy in an attempt to raise money.

“We are appealing to the members of the public to assist as my husband’s life is at risk. We are starting to lose hope because he has been waiting for so long. The doctors told us to rather approach a private hospital since there is a backlog at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital,” she said. Despite the financial challenges the family is facing, Chantal said they are still fighting to help her husband regain his life.

How to donate:

Bank: Capitec Bank savings account number: 2203449388, reference number: Christo OP. Alternatively, contact Chantal on 082 283 7852. For more information click on the link. 

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