A well-known monkey rescuer and founder of Monkey Helpline, Steve Smit, needs funds to undergo an urgent life-saving operation.
His partner, Carol Booth, said a fundraiser was started by supporters of Monkey Helpline through Back A Buddy so that Smit could have surgery for a serious kidney failure related condition. “Unsalaried and unable to afford a medical aid, this procedure would require him to sit on a three-month waiting list for a suitable state hospital where he could undergo the surgery. This fundraiser will hopefully get him to a private hospital within this week for the urgent surgery he needs to counter this life-threatening condition,” she said. She emphasised that Smit is in real need of the urgent life-saving operation. “He needs laser surgery to reduce his enlarged prostrate gland that has blocked the urethra, leading to temporary renal failure. He needs this operation urgently to restore the function of his kidneys. If he doesn’t get this operation, the results could lead to fatal consequences,” she said.
Booth added that as a full-time volunteer, Smit has dedicated his life and savings to animal rescue and care and the monkey rescue in KwaZulu-Natal. “He receives no salary and cannot afford medical aid. The waiting list for this surgery in a public hospital is three months, but Steve needs this surgery as soon as possible. Obviously, he is unable to afford this himself. Please help us raise the money to pay the hospital and operation costs,” she said. Booth is appealing for help, in order to reach the fundraising target of R100 000 and get the surgery done as soon as the funds allow. “We are hugely overwhelmed by the supportive response we have had so far. Thank you to all for the phone calls and messages of support,” said Booth. To make a donation visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/steve-smit or call Carol Booth on 082-659-4711. For more information on South Africa’s very own Monkey Man, visit www.monkeyhelpline.co.za or the Monkey Helpline Facebook page.
