A family in eMalahleni is pleading for prayer support and, if possible, financial assistance as they prepare for the birth of their daughter, Zayleigh-Mae.

According to Chanel Putter, the expecting mother, the past months have been marked by heartbreak, resilience, and faith for her and her family.

“Our pregnancy with our baby girl, Zayleigh-Mae, has been a journey of both deep sorrow and unwavering faith,” Chanel said, as she shared that at just 12 weeks, they experienced the heartbreaking loss of one of their twins.

“At 22 weeks, we were faced with devastating news again when doctors discovered that something was wrong with our surviving baby girl’s brain.”

Chanel said after multiple scans and consultations with specialists, it was confirmed that her baby’s cerebellum is abnormally formed, and since then, her pregnancy has been filled with complications, urgent medical decisions, and ongoing uncertainty.

“Yet through it all, we continue to stand firm in our faith, believing that Zayleigh-Mae is fearfully and wonderfully made, and that her life carries purpose,” she said.

However, though the family remains firm in faith, for doctors to understand the unborn baby’s condition and give her the best possible care, they had to do extensive medical testing and specialist care, which has left the family drowning in debt.

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According to Chanel, the total medical costs amount to approximately R91 800, and they have managed to raise at least R30 000 from family, but still have a balance of R61 800 that needs to be raised urgently.

“Unfortunately, we are not covered by medical aid for these pregnancy-related expenses,” the mother said.

“In addition to this, due to the complications in the pregnancy, I had to stop working. In an effort to help cover the mounting costs, I made the very difficult decision to sell my business.”

While the situation even forced the mother into selling her business, she said it helped temporarily, but placed them under further strain as they no longer have a steady monthly income.

“As a family, we have done everything within our means to try and raise funds and carry this burden ourselves,” Chanel said, further urging people from the community of Emalahleni and beyond to assist in raising the funds.

“If you feel led to provide any financial support, every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to being able to give our daughter the care she needs and deserves.”

Anyone who may be interested in assisting the family in any way can contact Chanel’s husband, Donavin Putter, at 064 901 2455.

You can also support them via their BackABuddy fundraiser link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/faith-over-fear-for-zayleigh-mae

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