“This is our last hope”. Ally, 12 years old, needs life-saving surgery and the community are rallying together to help her!
Cape Town, South Africa (30 October 2020) – Alexandra Oeschger, 12 years old, from Cape Town has been diagnosed with severe scoliosis with a 50-degree curve which will affect her quality of life and continue to strain her vital organs.
“Ally is truly a beautiful soul and a big sister to 2 siblings. She has the ability to brighten the room with her smile and always does her best to be positive and uplift those around her”, says Alexandra’s mother, Nancy Oeschger.
What is considered severe scoliosis?
Alexandra’s curvature has already started pressing on her vital organs, leaving her with no option but to have the surgery. She suffers from pain in her back due to the pressure the curve is causing to her nerves and is not able to wear certain clothing as she is very self-conscious of the hump on her back due to the rotation of the spine causing massive shifts to her ribs.
Due to the level of risk and technicalities involved, very few doctors are willing to attempt it, but Ally’s parents have managed to secure an operation date in November, next month.
“In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25- 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 – 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment. Severe scoliosis can be painful and disabling”.
With little support from their medical insurance scheme, mom, Nancy and dad, Devon Oeschger now sit with a staggering shortfall just short of R300 000, and in a last attempt to raise the funds to secure the operation, they have started a Go Get Funding campaign.
“This is our last hope, no parent is prepared for something this big, trying to function and cope while this is on your plate is not easy, you stay strong to show your child they have nothing to worry about and keep their spirits up when inside, your guts are tight, and you are freaking out. It is a commitment to get up each day and push on despite everything going on around you. While trying to focus on Ally, we strive to maintain some sort of normality for her 2 siblings.”
From Fit Mom training classes, a full-time job and personal auctions, Alexandra’s mom, Nancy remains hopeful and determined; her optimism is hair raising.
Along with their Go Get Funding campaign, her mom has designed and ordered t-shirts which will be sold via the Ally’s Scoliosis Journey and Emergency Facebook Page.
“The spine is shifting rapidly, and with Ally losing weight, it pronounces it more. This is due to anxiety, stress, and the overwhelming thoughts of a 3-hour surgery which is intense, and a scary thought for a 12-year-old to process and come to terms with. The additional stress that has come from the outcome of the medical insurance being unwilling to contribute less than a quarter of the cost of this operation has truly caused absolute turmoil”, adds Nancy.
While attempting to raise funds, her parents will also continue to raise awareness of scoliosis and how it impacts the lives of so many through Ally’s Scoliosis Journey and Emergency Facebook Page.
“We are turning to media power to assist us with this journey, and we hope to unite all those who are suffering from scoliosis to know, you are not alone.
“Thank you to everyone that is making a difference to Ally’s chances of having this life-changing surgery. We will be posting regular updates; please keep sharing and creating awareness for scoliosis and helping in this initiative. Should we raise more than the required amount for her op, we will donate the remainder to a charitable cause to bring awareness to scoliosis or donate to similar charities”, closes Nancy Oeschger.
by 