News

A mother’s heartbreak as fundraising efforts fall short in the fight for her son’s life-saving double lung and heart transplant

February 6, 2025

Lenasia South’s family is drowning in fear and uncertainty. Every passing day feels like a battle they are slowly losing, as they desperately fight to raise R7 million for the life-saving heart and lung surgery their son Shakil Pillay (12) urgently needs. Shakil battles a rare and severe heart condition, Fallot of Tetralogy. He needs a heart and double lung transplant. The Pillay family is pleading for your help to raise funds for the transplant that can only be performed in USA.
His anguished mother, Raeesa Pillay, has put everything on hold since 2020 to care for him, while his father Bruce Pillay works tirelessly, taking on extra jobs just to keep the family afloat. The weight of their reality is crushing, but giving up is not an option. Despite his condition, 12-year-old Shakil remains a beacon of hope. Looking at him, you’d never guess that his heart is failing. He smiles through the pain, attending Grade 6 via an online school and finding joy in playing PlayStation with his online friends. But behind his laughter is a race against time-doctors can’t say how long he has before his condition worsens.
They need your help. Every donation brings them closer to saving Shakil’s life. Please donate via BackaBuddy and give Shakil the future he deserves.

GLOBE POST is reaching out to the community for help. Contributions don’t have to be financial-sharing valuable information can make a difference. If you know a doctor, hospital or any organisation locally or internationally that could assist in performing this critical operation needed, your support is invaluable. For any ideas or leads on how Shakil can be helped, please call Raeesa on 082 798 0626 or GLOBE POST on 011 850 1160.

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