The Sibiya family from KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga is pleading for public donations towards their four-year-old daughter’s rare condition.
Born with bladder exstrophy in 2020, Lehlogonolo Sibiya was referred to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) for an operation in 2021.
However, the procedure was unsuccessful as it left the toddler’s stomach with an open hole.
The Urology Care Foundation describes bladder exstrophy as a rare condition, it is a birth defect.
“It is a condition where the bladder and parts around it form inside-out. The skin, muscle, and pelvic bones at the lower part of the belly or abdomen are not joined. As a result, the inside of the bladder pokes outside the belly. Instead of its normal round shape, the bladder is flat,” said the organisation.
Lehlogonolo’s mother, Martha Sibiya, emphasised that her daughter urgently needs donations to fund the operation.
The child also needs assistance with diapers, wipes and gauze swabs that she uses daily to treat the hole.
Sibiya lamented that her daughter’s health condition has been financially, mentally, and emotionally taxing on the family, including Lehlogonolo.
“As a family, we are emotionally stressed because this is a rare condition, and it has a lot of needs that need money. It needs a lot of attention to prevent infection from spreading,” said Sibiya.
The mother added that Lehlogonolo has also been subjected to bullying by children in the area, especially as she is expected to start formal schooling next year.
“Lehlogonolo is unable to play with other kids because they mock her condition,” said Sibiya.
Sibiya mentioned that they experienced challenges in public health institutions regarding her daughter’s condition. Thus, the family sought out assistance from the Rainbow Team Foundation to help relieve the burden.
Sibiya said they cannot afford a private doctor.
Lehlogonolo has been on a waiting list at SBAH for years, waiting for the urgent operation.
A representative from Rainbow Team Foundation, Nkateko Malubana, said the organisation is dedicated towards ensuring Lehlogonolo finds the necessary help towards her healing.
“I don’t even know where to begin about this whole story. Today we asked for a referral letter from Steve Biko Academic Hospital so Lehlogonolo can go to see a doctor at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Joburg.
“However, Steve Biko Hospital refused to give us the referral. They said Lehlogonolo is on a waiting list and she is number one on that list. When will she get help because she has to start school next year and join other kids? We don’t know what to do,” said Malubana.
Sibiya said her family would be relieved once Lehlogonolo is healed, and if the public heeds their call.
“As a family, we would be very excited, because the kid will be free from pain and also be unburdened,” said Sibiya.
The public can send in donations through Lehlogonolo’s mother’s banking details at:
MD SIBIYA
Account numbers
1583317218
Capitec account
0762258756
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za