AMILE Cele dreams of one day becoming an artist but her dream is being threatened by liver disease.
The seven-year-old from Woodlands in Durban suffers from cirrhosis, the medical term for scarring of the liver.
Her mum Phiwo (29) told Daily Sun Amile needed to have a liver transplant but the surgery was likely to cost at least R2 million.
“Although her dad and I both have an income, we cannot afford to pay such a huge amount of money. We really need donations to raise this money before time runs out,” she said.
Phiwo said she had been very depressed since doctors told her in June that Amile’s condition had worsened and she should prepare herself for the worst.
“I have approached a non-profit organisation called BackaBuddy to help me raise money. We started last month and so far we have managed to collect just over R23 000,” she said.
Phiwo told the SunTeam her daughter was diagnosed with liver disease at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in 2013.
“She had constant digestive and skin problems. After GPs failed to diagnose her, I took her to a specialist at the hospital who figured out what was wrong,” she said.
“She has been put on a national waiting list for a liver. Her dad and I were recently tested to see if our livers were compatible to help her. The results will be back in October and we are hopeful.”
BackaBuddy spokesman Zane Groenewald said donations had been pouring in from Amile’s family, friends, her mum’s colleagues and concerned strangers.
“If we get the donations, she can be operated on soon,” he said.
Anyone who is able to help the family can contact Zane on 082 602 0735 or Phiwo on 072 247 5984.
