At just two months old, little Duan Du Plessis is confronting a formidable health challenge, prompting his parents, Valerie and Divan du Plessis, to seek urgent assistance in Newcastle to ensure their cherished son receives the critical medical care he desperately requires.
Discussing Duan’s arduous journey, his devoted mother, Valerie, explained that Duan was born prematurely due to complications during her pregnancy, which included dangerously high blood pressure and the umbilical cord detaching from her placenta.
This hindered her baby’s growth for four weeks. Following his birth, Valerie recounted, “He did well for the first few weeks until he got an infection, that turned out to be one of the most dangerous forms of meningitis, and this absolutely tore my heart in two that my little baby boy had to go through all of that. How he fought through that, I don’t know, but I am very thankful!”
However, Duan’s ordeal persists. According to Valerie, the two-month-old now suffers from jaundice, which must resolve naturally as it stemmed from a TPN drip administered in the NICU. Furthermore, she and her husband were informed on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, that Duan has an inguinal hernia. This condition involves his “gut” protruding into his groin area, and it is significant enough to necessitate surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
“It was awful news, as I’ve been through so much when he was in the NICU for 52 days. As soon as you think everything is going so well, something bad and unexpected has to happen. I also just got a call today (Wednesday, 7 May 2025) that his jaundice is very severe, and he has to be admitted,” said the visibly distressed mother.
With the pressing need for major surgery to correct the hernia and additional medical treatments, not all of which are covered by their medical aid, Valerie emphasised that, as young parents, she and her husband urgently require community support to raise R50,000 and are seeking prayers during this harrowing time.
“We had our ups and downs, and it’s been traumatic for me, so I can’t imagine how his little body must have felt during this time,” said Valerie, who noted that community members can contact her on 082 830 2725.
Duan’s remarkable resilience at such a tender age is a testament to his fighting spirit, yet his journey remains fraught with challenges that no infant should endure. The mounting medical expenses and emotional toll weigh heavily on Valerie and Divan, who are steadfast in their commitment to securing a brighter future for their son. The Northern KZN community now has a vital opportunity to rally around this young family, offering hope and tangible support to help Duan overcome his health battles.
Residents are now called to come together in solidarity, contributing to the R50,000 needed for Duan’s critical treatments. Every donation, no matter how small, and every word of encouragement can make a profound difference. Please reach out to Valerie at 082 830 2725 to offer your support and help ensure that little Duan receives the care he so urgently needs.
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