Cape Argus E-dition

Brave Cape Town girl heads into 12-hour back op

TRACY-LYNN RUITERS tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

ANIQA Hendricks is only 11 years old, yet her bravery and positive attitude inspires others.

On Wednesday, she will undergo a 12-hour operation on her spine.

Hendricks suffers from scoliosis, a spinal deformity which causes the spinal column to twist and curve.

Her mother, Mariam Meniers, 32, is understandably anxious. “Aniqa, being a warrior, assured us that everything would be fine. She is just so brave and confident,” she said.

“When she was 7 days old, we found out she had a heart condition. She has been in and out of hospital until she was 4-and-a-half years old. Not long after that, we found out that she had a growth on her lower brain. She had to have open brain surgery.

“Just last year, she had surgery again after we found out that her spine was growing at a 42-degree angle. We were advised then that she would need another operation at the age of 13.”

Meniers said they were amazed at their daughter’s fight spirit.

“She never allowed any of her conditions to hold her back.”

In August, when she went for a check-up, Meniers was informed that her daughter’s spine had curved to a 62-degree angle.

“This meant that she needed an urgent operation because doctors

explained at 70 degrees, she could end up being permanently paralysed.”

Hendricks was also diagnosed with Chiari type 2, where a growth within the spinal sacs had accumulated liquid.

Meniers said they immediately agreed to the operation even though

there was a 50% chance of paralysis.

The family has since appealed for donations to pay for Aniqa’s recovery.

“Our focus is always Aniqa’s health. In 2019, just before Covid, we started a business to help us with medical expenses. Everything was okay until lockdown.

“Expenses kept on increasing. We ended up losing our house and closing our business.

“That is why we are asking for help so that she can have the best recovery and get back onto her feet.”

This week, the Belhar Primary School Grade 5 pupil visited her classmates before being booked into hospital on Friday.

Her class teacher, Frederika Diedericks, said Aniqa’s bravery inspired her daily.

Diedericks recalled the first time she found out about Aniqa’s conditions.

“It was the beginning of the year when she came to my class. Her mother informed me that Aniqa is very ill and she has a tumour.

“So I made sure that she had a safe space when she was around the rest of the learners.”

Diedericks said she immediately understood why the rest of the class took a liking to Aniqa.

“While I was watching them, I noticed that she is the one who always wants to do things for others. She insists on helping, and she always wants the best for others.

“She is very kind and very friendly and will never speak ill of others. She just has so much wisdom at her age.”

Diedericks said that’s why the school also created awareness and wanted to help raise funds for Aniqa’s recovery.

The amount for her recovery equipment is close to R50 000. She also needs a back brace, which can cost anything from R13 000 and a toilet adjuster, which costs approximately R1 500.

Anyone who wants to help Aniqa can contact Meniers at mariam. meniers@gmail.com.

METRO

en-za

2022-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

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