This is Liane Wiese. Her mother, Louise, works at Pride Milling Company's Bethal mill. She is the only breadwinner in the house as her husband is unable to work because of heart problems. Louise must support her family of eight on her own salary and is now put in a very difficult situation.

Her little girl Liane, 18 months of age, became ill with the flu about two weeks ago. Louise took the little one to GP, Dr JP Theron, and he informed her that her little girl has a heart problem. The doctor then made an appointment for them at Dr Karl in Trichardt. During his examination he heard a murmuring sound in her heart. This doctor then referred Louise to paediatric cardiologist specialist, Dr Kenny, at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg. This all came as a very big shock for the little one’s parents, as she is a lively, energetic little lady. Louise battled with the idea of another doctor giving her more bad news, but she also realized that, for the sake of her daughter, she needed to take her to this next doctor. She made an appointment with Dr Kenny for 28 January 2010 which she had to pay in cash as they do not belong to a medical aid.  This examination included x-rays of her lungs,  sonar of the heart, the oxygen supply to her heart was tested and he conducted the general examination.  His conclusion was that, as a result of the child being born 6 weeks premature,  one of the main arteries to the heart’s valve did not close. This was not picked up in the ICU after her birth. Dr Kenny explained to Louise that the child will have to undergo a surgery to close this valve as this is causing her heart to enlarge. The excess blood in her lungs will - in the long run - affect her lungs as well as her heart.  If her baby does not go for this operation, her heart will keep on weakening and eventually she will pass away.   

Louise then made an appointment with Dr Colyn at Unitas Hospital in Pretoria for a second opinion on 22 February 2010.  Dr Colyn ran various tests and came to the same conclusion as Dr Kenny.  The blood in her lungs is accumulating daily which is detrimental to her health. The doctor explained that if Liane did not undergo the required operation, she could lose her young life within a year from now. An open heart surgery will be the alternative if the planned surgery does not succeed.

Now, the biggest problem is that the operation costs between R75 000.00 – R160 000.00 which needs to be done within 2 months time to save little Liane, however Louise does not have the finances to cover this operation.  Louise humbly appeals for any assistance in this matter.

The following people can be contacted for any further information/confirmation needed:

Dr JP Theron – Local GP Bethal – 017 647 6238
Dr Karl – Pediatrician Trichardt – 017 638 0086
Dr Kenny - Pediatric cardiologist specialist – 011 234 3141

Pride Milling company Bethal – 017 647 1100
Pride Milling company Kinross - 017 687 2073

Louise Wiese – Mother – 082 844 1172 (Cell) |   017 647 1100 (Work)