A clearer future for little Andelica, thanks to Hot Cares

Helping a child see clearly shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be a given. That’s why the Hot Cares community is rallying behind four-year-old Andelica Botha and her parents, Jacques and Ednarene, as they navigate a procedure that will change her life. Born with BPES (Blepharophimosis-Ptosis-Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome), a rare condition affecting eyelid development, Andelica’s upper lids droop and the inner corners are set wider apart, forcing her to tilt her head back just to look straight ahead. 

Specialist surgery can correct this. The plan involves small incisions to create an eyelid crease, lift the lids, correct the upward fold, and widen the eyes. In addition, a brow muscle sling will help the eyelids function properly. Multiple procedures may be needed, and she’ll require glasses afterwards to support healthy visual development. 

Her operation is booked for 21 October 2025, with a deposit due by 20 October — a tight deadline on a cost of just over R92,000. Because medical aid has classified the procedure as “cosmetic,” the family faces large out-of-pocket costs despite doing everything right: exploring plan changes, fundraising, and already raising just under R26,000 with the help of kind donors. 

But this isn’t about appearances. For a child on the cusp of formal learning, clear vision is essential for education, confidence, and social development. Delaying care risks long-term consequences that no child should face. 

From the moment we heard Andelica’s story, we knew we had to help. Hot Cares will cover the full cost of her surgery (up to R92,000) so that finances aren’t what stands between a brave little girl and a brighter, clearer future. 

To everyone who’s already contributed — thank you. Your generosity is opening more than eyelids; it’s opening a world of possibility for a child who deserves to see it all.