Scoliosis Surgery for Sarah-Mae
Dear Friends... Can you help?
I am currently raising funds to help my friend Denvor in South Africa cover the costs of spinal fusion surgery for his daughter, Sarah-Mae. She's 14, she's bright, she's beautiful and she has scoliosis.
You can find out more about scoliosis and what it means here: http://www.srs.org/patients-and-families/common-questions-and-glossary/frequently-asked-questions http://www.srs.org/patients-and-families/common-questions-and-glossary/frequently-asked-questions
For many children and young people, scoliosis is a condition they can live with, however Sarah-Mae's case is severe and the only option for her is to have a spinal fusion surgery to straighten her spine. This is a recent x-ray showing just how serious her condition is:
Severe scoliosis is associated with pain, restricted movement and diminished lung function due to distortion and stiffness of the rib cage.
An operation costing 250,000 rand can correct the scoliosis, and will enable Sarah-Mae to have a full and healthy, pain-free life back. The surgery is complex and takes between 6-12hours, but has great results - you look at what the proceedure involves here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up0cF__Lbm0
The family have raised much of what they need to pay for Sarah-Mae's surgery but are currently £3,000 short of the full amount.
Can you help by giving whatever you can?
Denvor and his family write:
"Dear friends,
Our 14 year old daughter, Sarah-Mae, has been diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis. There is nothing that can be done to manage it other than surgery.
Because our medical aid is new, existing conditions have been excluded for a period of 12 months. But Sarah-Mae needs the surgery as soon as possible.
We hope and pray that you will be able to help by donating any amount to the fund.
You support will be greatly appreciated.
The Phokaners Family.
Denvor, Michelle, Sarah-Mae and Daniel."
Let's give this incredible family a truly wonderful gift this Christmas - please support the campaign however you can and please share as widely as possible.
With hugest thanks xxx
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What is Scoliois?
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve.The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped.Severe cases can interfere with breathing.Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people. It most commonly occurs between the ages of ten and twenty.Girls typically are more severely affected than boys.
PROGNOSIS:
Severe scoliosis often causes the ribs to press against the lungs, leading to a restriction of breathing and overtime hypoxia (deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues). The reduce levels of oxygen in the blood can have implications on the function of other organs in the body. Additionally, the spinal curvature may cause structural changes in the heart with dangerous outcomes.
