About Us	Search	Advertising

	Brought to you by:

THREE concerned mothers are trying to raise money for an operation for a three-year-old boy from Somerset West, who was born with a disease of the large intestine, known as Hirschsprung's Disease (HD).

HD usually occurs in children and causes constipation, resulting in limited bowel movement. If HD is not treated, it can cause serious problems like infection, bursting of the intestine and even death.

Marinus Rossow's mother, Marisia, sensed something was very wrong when her baby - then just days old - started to vomit.

The parents consulted many doctors, but it is claimed that Marinus' condition was not correctly diagnosed until he was two-and-a-half years-old, and became so ill that he ended up in hospital for five days.

By this time his intestine was blocked all the way up to his stomach and he was rushed to hospital, where doctors pumped "litres of medication" into his stomach via a nasal tube and administered enemas.

Eventually his parents were referred to Prof Robin Brown, a paediatric surgeon at Vincent Pallotti hospital.

Diagnosed Hirsching's disease
He diagnosed Hirsching's disease and told the parents that as a result of the two years of misdiagnosis Marinus' intestine was so stretched that it was necessary to fit a colostomy bag for a six month period. This operation took place in April. At the end of September, a second operation was performed on the boy in order to remove the colostomy and to repair his internal organs.

Marinus' parents, Etienne and Marisia, only have a hospital plan and their savings have been depleted from the first operation and numerous visits to doctors. Their medical bills continue to mount.

Three mothers from Over the Moon Pre-School in Lourensford Road, where Marinus is a learner, were so moved by the plight of the family, that they formed a trust fund.

Sisters-in-law Linda and Natasha van den Berg and Debbie van Wyk started a fundraiser to help the parents to meet their financial obligations. Donations can be made to The Marinus Rossow Fund, Enterprize Account, Standard Bank (Mall), Branch code: 03-30-12, Account number: 277 407 834.

Lucky draw
The trio have also distributed entry forms for a lucky draw, which is part of their efforts. The forms are available at various businesses in Somerset West. Debbie can be phoned on 082 445 5560 to find out at which stores the lucky draw forms are available. Tickets are R5 each and various prizes are up for grabs, including a R500 Pick 'n Pay voucher. The winner will drawn on November 5.

The three mothers have thanked businesses and individuals who have already given their support. "It means the world to the Rossow Family," says Debbie. "Marinus' parents, with the grace of God, together with their supportive family and friends have persevered, and Marinus is happy and healthier than ever before." The referees for the fund are Deidre Foster, principal of Over the Moon Pre-School (076 939 9305) and Professor Robin Brown (Practice no: 4205898) or phone (021) 531-0584.

	Back to top
© Tel. (021) 853-0211 Fax. (021) 853-0234 2003 Somerset Press (Pty) Ltd on all information and photographs.