Getting Sam Healthy Again

Hey, my name is Genevieve, and I'm on a mission to get my beautiful friend Samantha healthy again.

Sam is a widowed mom of a gorgeous 6 year old boy - please see links below for some history and insight into her little family:

https://highwaymail.co.za/293973/crinkley-bottom-park-manager-shot-killed/
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/hillcrest-shooting-im-trying-be-strong-our-little-boy/
https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/riddle-as-durban-resort-boss-is-slain-15211507
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Hillcrest-Fever/murder-suspect-crashes-during-police-chase-20181106-2

Over the past 16 months, Sam's health has deteriorated, quite significantly. In her own words:

"I've been to 4 different specialists in the last 16 months, all diagnosing me with various things. All tests have come back clear and the only thing found in January via a Gastroscopy was the H.Pylori bacteria in my stomach which I was treated for. Since then I have been to so many doctors visits that I've lost count, with two of them just the medication each time costing R1200-R1400. I have been for an ultrasound which also came back clear and the only thing the doctors seem to think could diagnose me is to have a colonoscopy done. I have been suffering with severe stomach pain, nausea to the point where I can go a week without eating, being put on a drip for dehydration as well as diarrhea for 16 months with no medication seeming to help. I'm at my end now and need to find a diagnosis."

Sam has been slowly trying to rebuild hers and Connor's lives after the tragedy of last May, and with her increasingly poor health, is finding it extremely difficult. Her son has already lost one of his parents, and Sam is desperate to be there for him, to give him a happy and balanced life, as best she can. She is the most amazing mommy, a phenomenal friend, and absolutely hates asking for help. Her late husband was the sole breadwinner, and all of the money from UIF, Workmen's Compensation etc, has sadly all been used up to support them in their daily lives.

She does have a medical insurance plan, however they have declined to cover the costs of the desperately required colonoscopy as it is a diagnostic procedure, and her plan doesn't cover diagnostic procedures. She has exhausted every option that she has, and short of entering the state system which will see her seeing a gastroenterology specialist maybe in the next 2 years, she needs us to help her get a diagnosis. The specialist that she has been seeing that has recommended the colonoscopy, has said that it could possibly be Crohn's Disease which whilst incurable is manageable and treatable, however can only be diagnosed with the scope.

The cost of the procedure is approximately R7500.00, which is around $510.00, however there are always adhoc expenses, medications etc and we'd rather have a small kitty left over for "just in case" - whatever isn't spent on Sam's colonoscopy will go towards Connor, and of course the costs associated with an online fundraiser, commissions etc. Sam simply doesn't have the money to pay for this much needed procedure upfront, and there is no payment option. Full payment or no procedure.

Sam has been suffering from so much pain and has become so weak, that she is even struggling to pick up Connor, which is absolutely heartbreaking. She can't play with him and be the mom that she wants to be, and it is eating away at her. Connor is suffering because of Sam's failing health. Sam is a physically active, vibrant woman, and to see her like this, is simply awful.

Please help in anyway that you can, whether you are able to donate or simply share this fundraiser - the more awareness we have, the sooner Sam can get better.

Thank-you

xx