Latest news with #Hendrik
The South African
18-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' rally behind 10 year old Eben Beukes
The spirit of community shone brightly this week as Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' initiative stepped up to support 10-year-old Eben Beukes. Euben is a young boy whose life was turned upside down by multiple strokes. Eben suffered severe cerebral damage after a viral infection triggered Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) and a secondary streptococcal infection. The boy is now blind, unable to walk or speak, and requires full-time care, according to Good Things Guy. EBEN'S STORY Eben's story is one of heartbreak and resilience. In December 2024, what began as a routine illness rapidly escalated into a life-threatening condition. The strokes left Eben with severe disabilities, mirroring the tragic loss of his mother, who passed away from strokes two years prior. Now, Eben lives with his father Hendrik and 15-year-old sister Ané, with Hendrik carrying the heavy responsibility of caring for his children alone. Faced with overwhelming medical and homecare costs, the family reached out to Good Morning Angels. The response from the community was swift and generous. Round Table Pretoria donated R50,000. Caring Daisies matched this with another R50,000. Corestruc contributed R30,000, and the Good Morning Angels Fund NPC pledged R30,000, bringing the total to R160,000. Martin Bester, host of Jacaranda FM's Breakfast with Martin Bester , expressed the collective sentiment. 'No 10-year-old should have to go through what Eben is going through – and no father should have to do it alone. 'Good Morning Angels' is about giving families like the Beukes family the support they need when life becomes too much to carry on their own. We're proud to stand with them.' The funds will be used to equip Eben's home with specialised medical equipment, including beds and therapy tools. To ease the financial strain on Hendrik as he prepares to care for Eben full-time once he returns from rehabilitation. This remarkable show of solidarity highlights the power of community in South Africa. From school friends to local organisations, South Africans have rallied to give Eben and his family hope amid their darkest days. As one donor shared, 'From one parent to another, we're with you.' Good Morning Angels has been changing lives since 2005, offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out to those facing hardship. Eben's story is a poignant reminder of the initiative's impact and the kindness that thrives in South African hearts. In a country where community spirit often makes the impossible possible, Eben's journey is a testament to the strength found in unity and compassion. Together, South Africans are lighting the way for this brave young boy and his family. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Family appeals for help to raise funds for son's 24-hour palliative care
Family appeals for help to raise funds for son's 24-hour palliative care A Centurion family is calling on the community's support in raising funds for their 10-year-old son. Eben Beukes requires 24-hour palliative care following a series of life-threatening illnesses. Once a vibrant and kind-hearted child, Eben's life dramatically changed in December after contracting Covid-19. His father, Hendrik, explained that what began as a viral infection quickly escalated into a critical health emergency. Hendrik said, Eben developed Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), a rare but severe autoimmune reaction, which was followed by a secondary streptococcal infection. 'His body just couldn't fight anymore. He suffered multiple strokes and severe cerebral damage. Practically overnight, our loving little boy was left completely dependent on round-the-clock care,' said Hendrik. The family's story is one of quiet strength and unimaginable loss, as two years ago, Hendrik lost his wife, Eben's mother, to a stroke. Now, as a single father, he is not only caring for his critically ill son but also supporting his teenage daughter, Ané, who is facing the trauma of her brother's sudden health decline. 'As a father, I try to create a space filled with love, honesty, and prayer. My daughter and I talk openly about our feelings, fears, and hopes. I encourage her to express herself, and we lean on our faith and the close support of family and friends to carry us through,' he said. Hendrik said some days are harder than others, 'but we take it one day at a time, leaning on God and each other'. Despite these challenges, Hendrik continues to pour all his love and strength into giving Eben the comfort, dignity, and care he deserves. However, the emotional and financial toll is heavy. Eben now relies on: – 24-hour nursing and palliative support – tube feeding and respiratory assistance – ongoing seizure management – specialised equipment, including oxygen and suction machines – basic supplies such as diapers, hygiene products, and medication 'The costs are overwhelming,' Hendrik said. The family is on a journey to raise R500 000 to cover Eben's medical bill. 'Medical aid does not cover long-term palliative care at home. Every cent donated will go toward Eben's nursing care, equipment, and daily medical needs. The R500 000 would definitely go a long way in covering Eben's bill, but any amount donated is greatly appreciated and we are grateful for the support.' He acknowledges that he can't carry the burden alone. 'This is the hardest journey I have ever walked. Balancing work, caregiving, and emotional support is exhausting. I find strength in my children's smiles, in prayer, and the kindness of others.' He said the family is asking for any donation, prayer, or simply sharing Eben's story to help ease their load and ensure Eben continues to receive the care he needs. 'Every donation will go directly towards Eben's 24-hour nursing care, essential medical equipment, and daily consumables such as feeding supplies, diapers, and urgent medical needs,' he explained. 'While R500 000 would provide a solid foundation to sustain his care for the coming months, the high cost of private nursing and specialised supplies means ongoing support will likely be needed. With faith in God's provision and the generosity of others, the family remains hopeful that we will be able to meet Eben's continued need,' he said. Hendrik also extended heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the PICU at Unitas Hospital. 'Their dedication and compassion carried us through the darkest days. They weren't just there for Eben, but for us as a family.' He said the company he worked for the past 15 years has stood by him and supported him through this journey. If you would like to reach out personally or help the family, you can contact Hendrik on 061 462 1420. He further expressed his gratitude to the community for the continued support. For more information and how you can donate, visit the following link: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
