HE knows pain, more pain and challenges than most adults have experienced, made only bearable by morphine on a daily basis.
But little Yadah Rayle Prins (19 months) from Jeffreys Bay, who suffers from neuromuscular scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, does not let that hamper him – even though he walks with a ‘waddle’ and keeps falling down.
Without surgery the condition will continue to worsen, and can become life-threatening.
The only option: spinal fusion surgery.
However, the medical aid only covers 60% of the total costs.
His determined mother, Judy Abercrombie (27), is now doing all she can to raise the remainder of the money needed to pay for the vital operation in Cape Town.
According to her, she was advised to medically abort the pregnancy at 24 weeks – the day the doctors confirmed that Yadah has scoliosis, a rare condition for an unborn baby.
He furthermore has a missing rib that never formed due to the spinal deformity.
But for Abercrombie, who considers her son a true ‘miracle’, abortion was not an option – despite a possible operation straight after birth, paralysis and several other life-changing obstacles.
“For years I have been told that the possibility of falling pregnant is most improbable,” says Abercrombie who has been struggling with ovarian cysts and endometriosis since the age of 13.
“Twelve years after being diagnosed – more than a decade of excruciating pain – I found out that I was pregnant. Unplanned, but nothing short of a blessing. Yes, I was shocked and scared, but I praise God for this beautiful gift. I am honoured that he found me worthy of being a mother and entrusted me with the responsibility of another’s life.”
Born on 11 June 2018, Yadah gave his first step when he was seven months old.
“It was then that we first noticed his penguin type of waddle, and that, due to the scoliosis, his one leg is shorter than the other. He also has a small hump on his back and his spine is protruding on the one side – affecting his balance. Despite falling over numerous times, he keeps getting up and never gives up,” says Abercrombie who does not want to raise him as if there is something wrong with him.
“He is a real fighter.”
Vital operation
Yadah needs to go for spinal fusion surgery to correct his spinal curve as it keeps bending and can start to impact on his breathing and squash his heart, lungs and other organs due to the curve in his spine pushing every internal organ the wrong way.
“Special growing rods and screws will be attached at the top and bottom of the curved part of the backbone to help straighten the spine,” says Abercrombie. “Then, small pieces of bone (grafts) will be put over the spine so that they grow together with the spinal bone, helping everything align and stay where it should be.
“The rods will have to be lengthened over time, to allow his spine to grow.”
Fundraising
Abercrombie is now on a mission to raise much-needed funds so that Yadah can receive the vital operation at the end of March this year – a mere three months after first hearing about the operation.
In addition to the 60% that the medical aid covers, the Abercrombie-family must raise a minimum of R80 000 for the hours-long operation. To raise funds and create awareness about scoliosis, Abercrombie sells special Team Panda (her hypochromism for Yadah) T-shirts and vests at a cost of R250 and R200 respectively.
Also in the pipeline is a black-tie gala event at Lombardini Game Farm between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp at 16:00 on Saturday, February 15.
Attendees can look forward to an informed talk about scoliosis, Abercrombie’s testimony, poetry reading, live entertainment and a surprise celebrity guest.
Abercrombie is still in need of hostesses for the event. The hostess with the best table, will receive a weekend stay at Hunters Lodge at Lombardini Game Farm for six people.
A cash bar will be available and various prizes will be up for grabs.
Tickets cost R150 per person. A colour run and bracelets are also on the cards. “We would be extremely grateful for any help that people can give,” says Abercrombie.
More information
Monetary donations can be made to Yadah R. Prins at First National Bank, savings account 62835969439.
For more information, contact Abercrombie at 076 952 1953. Alternatively, visit YadahRaylePrins.com/?referrer=whatsapp or the Team Panda Facebook Page.
