The family of former Paralympian and bronze medallist Achmat Hassiem (39) is appealing for financial aid to overcome his escalating medical bills.
Hassiem is currently in a “stable condition” in hospital, but according to his relatives, he has suffered permanent brain damage. He went to hospital in September last year for a routine back surgery, but things did not go as initially planned.
Also known as “shark boy” after surviving a shark attack in Muizenberg in 2006, he has been undergoing some medical treatment since then. However, things took a turn for the worse towards the end of last year.
His brother Taariq Hassiem said the hospital medical bill to date is R1,2 million.
“Achmat’s hospital medical bill has come to R1,2 million. This includes the doctor’s visits, physio, speech therapist, medication and all other tests and procedures they’ve had to do so far. This works out to approximately R20 000 per day in the ICU.”
His family has started a back a buddy campaign to raise funds to assist with Hassiem’s medical care.
Achmat’s partner Taryn Ganger said there’s nothing more doctors can do for him.
“Achmat is physically stable, though not conscious. The doctors have said that his brain has undergone too much damage so he won’t be coming back to us. The condition he is currently in, is the condition he is staying in. There is not much more they can do for him regarding brain function. Physically he is still with us, but, mentally not.”
She added that Hassiem will be receiving medical care from home because he is too young to be accepted at a frail care facility.
“We have looked all over Cape Town for a facility that will take his case and provide long term or frail care but none will take him on for reasons from his age (not 60+) to him still requiring a feeding tube and catheter etc. A social worker has also been involved, but with no success.”
Ganger says a portion of his parent’s home has to be converted into a mini-ICU.
“The situation is not ideal but we have to get his parents’ home ready with all the necessary hospital equipment and nursing.
“Therefore, we need a hospital bed, suction machine for phlegm and secretions on his chest, an OT, speech therapist, physical therapist, and the list goes on, but practically turn a section of the house into a mini-ICU ward.
“We are looking for volunteers, funding and donations as we are essentially on our own. Please help us climb this new mountain ahead of us. Thank you for the ongoing love, support and prayers that have come in. We are truly grateful.”
- For more information contact Taariq Hassiem at Tmanhassiem@gmail.com or Shireen Sapiro at Sapiroshireen@gmail.com
