Good Morning Angels: Improving the lives of 10 patients and their families

BACKGROUND: Evander Janse van Rensburg is five years old.  He has about seven rotten or broken teeth that caused abscesses in his mouth. Dr. Nico Verloop, laser dentistry, orthodontics, paediatric dentist, treated Evander. During the investigation, they realised that he also had a fleece under his tongue that grew to his gums which is called Plica Fimbriata. In addition, he gets repeated tonsillitis which are enlarged. Dr Gerrie Moolman ENT specialist is going to remove it. In addition, he gets repeated tonsillitis which are enlarged. Dr Gerrie Moolman ENT specialist is going to remove it.

Elri Janse van Rensburg is three years old. She also has Plica Fimbriata and it was removed by Dr. Nico Verloop with a laser procedure. It was done under anesthetic.

Their mother, Corlia Janse van Rensburg works at Voetstappie creche in Centurion.

They applied to Centurion Day Hospital’s Project Open Heart. With Operation Healing Hands’ involvement, they will do free cases with the help of CDH who will provide a free theatre.

Operation Healing Hands recently put aside one day, to do ten operations at two Pretoria Hospitals: the Centurion Day Hospital, as well as the Zuid-Afrikaanse Hospital.

All the patients are on lists at state hospitals, with procedures that are not seen as life threatening, but if done, will improve their quality of life beyond measure.

None of the patients have medical aid or can afford the procedures needed. 

A group of surgeons, health professionals and theatre teams set aside the day, to perform these procedures, free of charge in private facilities.  

In one instance, Bernie had his leg amputated due to severe gout. Once healed, he will get a prosthetic leg and for the first time be able to walk unassisted and work again to support his family. 

In another instance, two siblings, 5-year old Evander and 3-year old Elri both received operations.

Evander’s tonsils had been making him ill for many painful months. He also had a Plica Fimbriata - that means his tongue is attached to the bottom of his mouth with a membrane - which impacts on his speech. This conditions, along with the tonsils also caused tooth decay and seven of his teeth needed work. Dental surgeon, Dr Nico Verloop sorted his teeth and membrane, as well as 3-year old Elri’s membrane, while Ent-Specialist, dr. Gerrie Moolman removed his tonsils