In April 2022, Aidan underwent major surgery for hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip gradually moves out of place as he grows. While most children would require surgery when the hip reaches 12° displacement, Aidan’s hip was already at 32° when he was operated on. Now, the hardware needs to be removed, and this follow-up operation is urgently required.

Because of Costello Syndrome, Aidan’s body metabolises medication about 50% faster than normal. This makes both anaesthetic and post-operative care highly specialised. His long-term orthopaedic surgeon has worked with him since he was 18 months old, performing his first operation at age 5. Over the years, his doctors have learned Aidan’s unique medical responses, care that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

At the moment, Aidan is walking with a severe limp. One leg has grown several centimetres longer than the other due to the hip’s positioning and growth changes. This causes daily pain in his feet and back, and affects his ability to walk, play, and sleep comfortably.

Ideally, the operation should take place early in 2026, as it was originally due in 2024 but postponed due to lack of medical aid. We estimate that the procedure, including hospitalisation and recovery support, will cost around R100,000–R150,000. After his previous surgery, Aidan spent several days in ICU and required a 24-hour home nurse for two weeks, which will likely be the case again.

But the truth is, we’re not just fundraising for surgery, we’re rebuilding the stability that allows us to keep Aidan safe, housed, and cared for.
After years of ongoing medical costs, legal battles, and lost income, we’ve accumulated a backlog of essential expenses. Our total goal of R300,000 will not only fund Aidan’s next operation, but also:

• Clear medical debt from previous surgeries and therapies
• Restore our medical aid cover to ensure consistent, specialised care
• Cover several months of safe housing, allowing us to relocate and rebuild
• Repair our car, which remains our only transport to hospital visits and therapy

Every cent will go directly toward restoring Aidan’s health, safety, and stability, the foundations every child deserves.

We’re also seeking corporate partners who can allocate a portion of their tax-deductible giving toward Aidan’s medical fund. Through our registered NGO partner, contributors will receive a Section 18A certificate, making their donation fully deductible.

Your contribution, big or small, will help give Aidan pain-free mobility, consistent medical care, and the security of a safe home.
Together, we can give him not just a surgery, but a future filled with comfort, dignity, and hope.