Help Kirsty get a weight off her chest
Pietermaritzburg school bus driver, Kirsty Olwagen, needs the public’s help to get breast reduction surgery that costs close to R100 000.
The 32-year-old was a breech baby, born with a dislocated hip which has placed tremendous strain on her knees her whole life.
At only two years old, doctors realised that Olwagen’s hip had grown past her socket, and without surgery, she might not have been able to walk for the rest of her life.
Fast forward a few years, and Olwagen’s problem with her hips have manifested in a new way. Developing large breasts at the age of only 13, Olwagen feels tremendous pressure on her back. She has struggled with weight gain her whole life which has placed pressure on her knees. She has undergone five knee operations to date.
Olwagen has now developed a more severe condition: sacroiliitis in her left hip, which causes inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, as well as tension of the lumbar spine and pelvic joints.
To avoid a comprehensive back operation or hip replacement surgery, which could put her life at risk, doctors have recommended that she have breast reduction surgery urgently, as her breasts weigh over 6kgs.
“I want nothing more than to enjoy life with my family, without being in constant pain and discomfort. My boobs and I have had a good run, but the party’s over and it’s time to go,” Olwagen joked.
However, her medical aid has declined to cover the cost of her breast reduction surgery, estimated to cost over R94 000, arguing that it is a cosmetic procedure.
To help ease her financial burden, Porky’s People, a non-profit organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for public support. Thus far, over R8300 has been raised with generous support.
The funds will be used to cover the cost of Olwagen’s medication, time in theatre, the surgeon and anaesthetist fee, as well as an overnight hospital stay.
“Everyone who knows Kirsty knows she is a big girl, with an even bigger heart.
Having this operation will help her regain her confidence and finally live pain-free,” said Olwagen’s sister, Natasha.
With public support, Kirsty could undergo her breast surgery in Pretoria before the end of year. Donate to support Kirsty’s surgery: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ help-kirsty-get-a-weight-off-her-chest . Alternatively, donate via Snapscan: https://pos. snapscan.io/qr/ help_kirsty