Kimberly Giersthove, only 13 years old, is currently fighting for her life in the intensive care unit of the Diakonessenhuis. Her mother, Lisette Benjamin, was shocked when she received a bill for SRD 54,856 because Kimberly’s number of days in bed for this insurance year had been exceeded. The hospital told her that Kimberly is no longer entitled to covered hospital days due to her insurance. The hospital received this message from the State Health Insurance Fund (SZF).
In her desperation, the mother turned to the 1 voor 12 Foundation, whose chairman Louis Vismale cannot imagine that a young girl in intensive care has to endure this.
Stichting 1 voor 12 is helping with SRD 20,000, but the bill remains high. The hospital allows the mother to pay in installments, but requires a deposit of SRD 54,856 for 5 days.
Kimberly suffers from Diabetes Mellitus and her health condition is deteriorating. She becomes disturbed more often, vomits, cannot walk, has body aches and has poor vision from time to time. She is often admitted, can hardly go to school and her mother fears for her life. The doctor even said that Kimberly could be there today and not tomorrow. Kimberly has suffered from this disease since she was 8.
Vismale has contacted the Ministers of Health and Social Affairs to seek urgent help for Kimberly. He is waiting for reactions. The mother, a civil servant, cannot afford the money alone.
Vismale appeals to society to help Kimberly. “Together, let’s make a difference for this young girl in need.”
Tags: #13yearold Kimberly girl diabetes intensive care Suriname Herald
