A Cape Town family has turned to the public for assistance after their one-year-old son was diagnosed with respiratory failure.
Azraah Hendricks, the mother of one-year-old Abu-Bakr Cassiem, said her son’s lung condition is worsening and that his treatment is costing the family around R11 000 per month.
Also read: Staff behavior ‘sickens’ patients at Bishop Lavis Hospital
The young boy is currently breathing with one lung and is dependent on a ventilator to survive, according to EWN.
According to his mother, Abu Bakr was admitted to Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital’s Paediatric Unit in August with pneumonia and a fever of 42 degrees.
Once in the ward, an X-ray revealed that his right upper lobe had collapsed and that his left lung was infected. His doctors then performed a viral panel on him, and he contracted three viruses: adenovirus, rhinovirus and influenza.
Abu-Bakr was extremely ill and struggling to breathe due to inflamed lungs. He needed Hi-Flo oxygen because his vitals were low and he was struggling to breathe.
On Monday, 15 August 2022, Dr Taryn Grey, a paediatric pulmonologist, took over his care and informed the Henricks family that he needed to be ventilated to support him and allow him to recover more comfortably.
Dr Grey informed them that the first year is vital and where most progress occurs. She has a four-year plan for him, and he requires daily doctor’s visits and weekly neuro-physio, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
Azraah decided to turn to the public for help with her son’s treatment costs after much deliberation with her husband.
The Grassy Park family told EWN that Abu Bakr is the third of three children, and she was unable to work because the boy required 24-hour care.
How to help
- Contact Azraah at 072 058 2339.
- Donate via BackaBuddy here.
Also read:
WC government has pledged R68 million to support students with autism
Picture: Azraah Hendricks / Facebook