Family rallies to save lightning survivor after life-threatening complications
Just before Christmas in 2016, Kelby was hit by lightning. Against the odds, he pulled through. But in the years since, his health has remained fragile.
'We thought we were through the worst,' said his wife, Fiona. 'But earlier this year, Kelby started showing signs of what we thought was a prostate issue. We saw doctors, followed their advice, and he even had surgery. But he wasn't getting better, he was getting weaker.'
It wasn't until early July that the true cause was discovered: a ruptured abscess in his colon that had caused severe sepsis throughout his body.
'On July 4, he was grey, in agony, and fading fast,' Fiona said. 'By July 7, a gastroenterologist admitted him straight into the ICU for emergency, life-saving surgery.'
The operation was harrowing. Surgeons had to flush out his entire system and remove a section of his bowels. Kelby now has a colostomy bag – but more importantly, he has another chance at life. He remains in the ICU at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where his condition is being closely monitored.
The family is immensely grateful for their medical cover, which allowed him to receive private treatment, but it only covered R85 000, a figure exhausted within the first 24 hours of his ICU stay.
Now, they are reaching out for help – not because they've done nothing, but because they've done everything they can, and it's still not enough.
'No one expects to end up here. We've tried to do it all right, we had a medical plan, we followed the advice, and still, the costs are overwhelming. We're not asking for pity. Just support – from one human being to another,' said Fiona.
Their daughter recently got engaged, and her one wish is for her father to walk her down the aisle.
'We still need him. He's still fighting. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help keep him with us,' she said.
To support the family, visit their BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/life-saving-procedure-for-kelby-parker
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
The new boob job: faster recovery, more natural results
The new boob job: faster recovery, more natural results Forget everything you thought you knew about breast surgery as there is a new procedure in town that's making breast enhancement less invasive, faster healing and delivers a more natural result. Rapid recovery breast augmentation isn't the same breast surgery of a decade ago. By placing implants above the muscle but under the fascia, patients benefit from improved support, fewer complications, and significantly faster healing – without compromising on aesthetic outcomes. Designed for natural movement and feel Central to this shift is the use of Motiva implants – next-generation breast implants designed to move with the body and mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. The ergonomic design adapts to posture and movement, and the cohesive gel leads to long term stability and peace of mind for patients. The hybrid advantage: subtle enhancement, dual benefit A hybrid breast augmentation combines a smaller implant with a small volume of the patient's own fat – harvested via liposuction from areas like the flanks or thighs. The fat is then purified and strategically injected into the upper pole of the breast to enhance fullness, create smoother transitions, and improve cleavage. Who is it for? First-time patients who want a more natural, undetectable outcome Women with concerns about traditional under-the-muscle placement Patients seeking a faster return to normal activity with less pain Those desiring both breast enhancement and mild body contouring when fat transfer is performed Ladies who are considering their first augmentation or an even revision, provided a breast lift is not required The timeline: Surgical time averages around 60–90 minutes. Most patients return to light activity within 3–5 days. Full results settle over 3–6 months. Scarring may take up to a year to settle, however visible results are noticeable immediately. The cost: The investment for a standard breast augmentation starts at around R85,000, depending on the patient's anatomy and surgical goals. Where appropriate, the pricing for a hybrid breast augmentation (implant with fat transfer) starts at around R125 000. For many, the balance of aesthetic reward and reduced downtime makes it a compelling, confidence-boosting choice. Leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon Professor Chrysis Sofianos at CS Surgery believes the growing popularity of rapid recovery techniques reflects a deeper shift in how women approach cosmetic procedures: informed, intentional, and unapologetic. For more articles on the latest medical technology out there, visit Get It Magazine.
The Citizen
03-08-2025
- The Citizen
Boy (6) from Leandra suffers from a femoral hernia and urgently needs surgery
Boy (6) from Leandra suffers from a femoral hernia and urgently needs surgery A BackaBuddy account has been created for six-year-old Janco Hanekom, who urgently requires surgery for a femoral hernia caused by testicular torsion. Testicular torsion occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage. In June 2024, Janco was treated for two abscesses in his mouth. Two days after treatment, his left testicle began to swell and moisture accumulated. 'He was given medication to reduce the swelling, but the doctor warned us it could return and now it has,' said his mother, Nadia Hanekom. She explained the only way to treat Janco's condition is through surgery to drain the hernia and repair the affected tube. 'If the operation is delayed or unsuccessful, it could affect his ability to conceive children as an adult,' she said. The family is not on medical aid and the procedure could cost about R35 000. 'There are government hospitals, but as his mother, I feel his future depends on this surgery and I cannot take that risk,' said Hanekom. She prefers a specialist urologist experienced with such conditions. Hanekom also shared her difficult experience with government hospitals when her own mother fell ill with emphysema. She had to leave work to care for her mother, who sadly passed away on June 23. Her husband AJ is self-employed and the family's sole provider. 'My hands are tied. There is no money for further medical consultations for Janco,' she said. ALSO CHECK: Lekwa's electrical issues in the spotlight The family has reached out to Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels, and relatives and friends are sharing Janco's BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds. The campaign can be found at 'Janco is a farm boy, rough and always busy. He doesn't sit still. To keep him calm, she fixed an old cellphone for him to play with. The slightest bump or wrong movement could cause serious damage. We try to keep him as still as possible,' said Hanekom. Janco is a Grade R learner at Laerskool Goedehoop. 'We have explained to him that if he hurts his testicle while playing, it could burst. He loves riding his bike but can't anymore because of the pressure it puts on his testicle. He can't even wear underpants due to the discomfort,' said his mother. The swollen testicle causes him continuous pain and discomfort. The family asks the public to support Janco by donating or sharing his BackaBuddy campaign to spread the word and help save his future. ALSO CHECK: Seriti hands over R10m in infrastructure projects to Lekwa
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- The Citizen
ADHD support needs teamwork, not blame
POLOKWANE – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) remain a hot-button issue in schools, homes and online forums. While some people still offer outdated advice like 'just give the child a good hiding,' professionals and parents who live with these conditions know the reality is far more complex. Many frustrated parents blame teachers for not doing enough to 'control' their children, while teachers sometimes face criticism for recommending medical intervention. But the truth is, no child is casually put on medication – there's a thorough assessment process involving healthcare professionals. Occupational therapist Liné Strauss explains that ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among children, affecting between 2% and 16% of school-aged kids. 'It's not something occupational therapists diagnose; that's the job of medical professionals. But we are very much part of the support system,' she said. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that continues into adulthood and is defined by patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsiveness that interfere with everyday functioning. Inattention can look like constantly losing items, poor time management and disorganisation, and difficulty focusing for long periods – even if they're not fidgety or disruptive. Hyperactivity may show up as excessive fidgeting and constant movement, talking too much or making inappropriate comments or impulsive behaviour like shouting out answers or making risky decisions without thinking. To conclude, Strauss stressed the importance of collaboration: 'It's crucial to get everyone involved – parents, teachers, occupational therapists, dieticians and doctors. Each plays a role in helping a child with ADHD reach their full potential. Understanding, patience and informed support can help children with ADHD or ADD thrive, not just cope. The focus should always be on empowerment, not punishment.' Strauss offers practical tips that can make a big difference: Inspired by fellow occupational therapist Helise Duvenhage, Strauss recommends: • Hiding objects in playdough. • Pushing heavy objects like toy crates or laundry baskets. • Doing animal walks like frog jumps or wheelbarrow walks. • Eating crunchy snacks like raw carrots or cucumber sticks. • Wrapping the child tightly in a blanket for a few seconds, then unwrapping them. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
