He was given a life expectancy of only 2 years, news that “crushed” first time parents, Carmen, 42, and Allistair, 48.
At 3 months old, Aidan underwent a Kasai Operation at Albert Luthuli Hospital to remove any problematic bile ducts outside his liver that were abnormally narrow, blocked, or absent. While the surgery was a success, it was said to only be temporary solution, expected to last 12 years.
The Carter High School Student has since birth surpassed all expectations placed on him. He’s in the top class for grade 8, although doctors he would struggle through school, and he has made his parents very proud.
As predicted, the Kasai procedure, which has, allowed bile to be drained from Aidan’s liver for years, is no longer viable because his liver is severely damaged and deteriorating at a rapid rate.
“The news of Aidan’s failing liver has shaken us, although we knew this day would come. As a parent there’s no way you can prepare for this emotional roller-coaster. The fact that things could change in an instant is very frightening,” says Carmen.
Although Carmen is a blood-type match for her son, it was soon discovered that Aidan would need a full transplant due to the extensive damage to his liver. This meant the match will need to come from a cadaver.
“As a parent you would do anything for your child, I felt hopeless hearing that my hands are tied and there’s nothing I can do to save my son from his condition,” says Carmen.
In anticipation for a potential donor match, the Maddocks family created a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to support their son through his upcoming medical procedures.
Funds raised will also support the family with the accompanying travel costs to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town where Aidan has met regularly with a “wonderful” group of professors, surgeons and specialist doctors for the last 13 years.
Post-surgery, Aidan will also be required to stay in hospital for a minimum of 3 months. Carmen will need to take unpaid leave to be by her son’s side. The fundraising target also factors in post-surgery costs the family will incur as Aidan begins his new chapter.
Aidan’s campaign went live on the 5th of July and has thus far raised R 74,255.32 towards their fundraising target of R 200,000 with contributions from 54 donors.
“There is no way for us to describe our gratitude to everyone who has supported our BackaBuddy campaign. We have been overwhelmed and humbled, not only by the financial contributions, but the prayers and words of encouragement we have received during a very difficult time in our lives,” says Carmen.
You can support Aidan by donating to his BackaBuddy campaign here:
For additional information / parents’ contact info, please email:
About BackaBuddy
· A proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.
· BackaBuddy has raised over R70.8 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
