LISTEN: ‘We can’t stand to lose her’ - Durban parents’ plea
A Durban couple says their seven-month-old baby with a life-threatening heart condition urgently needs surgery, but it comes at a steep cost.
Kendreya Pillay from Chatsworth has Down Syndrome and a congenital defect called VSD.
She has two holes in her heart chambers.
It was discovered when she was two months old. Since then, she’s been in and out of the hospital.
Her father, Kevin Pillay, says his daughter's surgery was delayed after the cardiologist who was scheduled to operate resigned.
He says there is another specialist, but only emergency cases are being seen, due to a waiting list.
READ: Protecting children a daily commitment - Childline KZN
"If a child was in a ward turning purple or a child was bleeding from the ears, nose or mouth - then only would they prioritise that child to get treatment."
Her mother, Denise Pillay, says they have exhausted their options with the family now having turned to a private heart hospital where the surgery will cost over a million rand.
"The doctor did confirm that if we don't go for the operation, the baby would die in a couple years’ time because she becomes a high risk. There will be too much blood flowing into her lungs every month as she grows older."
The Pillays have launched a fundraising campaign to help their daughter.
" I said to the doctor, 'No, my baby won't die. I am doing this for her to live. I am raising the funds for her," the mother said.
Kevin added: "Come meet our baby, and you'll see the energy that she brings and everything that she is. She's the most happiest and energetic baby in this world. There's something really special about this child, and we can't stand to lose her."
Listen below:
