Help Edenglen high help baby Mia

Although Edenglen High School’s charity outreach is far-reaching and the school endeavours to help wherever it can, it is unable to help little Mia and her family alone.

For the world at large, 2020 was challenging and many families have fallen into poverty. According to Georgette Peristeris, PRO and marketing coordinator of Edenglen High, The Potgieter’s have not only faced the pandemic with the rest of the world but have had suffered further hardships.

“We at Edenglen High School owe it to Renier (Mr Benson), a man with a heart of gold to try to do anything to help him help and his family. He shows love, care and empathy to every learner and every colleague,” explained Georgette.

Baby Mia was born on March 30, soon after SA’s level five lockdown. She was born at only 26 weeks, weighing 1.29kg, and has had to fight for her life every day since.

Mia underwent many procedures, tests and operations and has fought off infections and facing breathing difficulties since.

For her parents, Ria and Marnes Potgieter, there were none of the sentimental moments or milestones most first-time parents get to experience, the smiles, giggles and other experiences.

For them, each day brought new tests, new worries and, worse yet, a growing pile of financial obligations. Under level five restrictions, Marnes was unable to visit his daughter and Ria was only able to see her for an hour a day.

Furthermore, the couple had to travel between Secunda and Springs daily to visit their baby. Mia spent nine months in hospital, including her first Christmas.

She was finally able to go home on December 28, but the Potgieter’s ordeal is far from over. Ria and Marnes are in debt and require assistance.

Their medical aid covered much of the expenses, but nine months in hospital generated much more than the medical aid could cover.

Mia Also needs 24/7 care and continues to see specialists weekly and monthly. She needs to wear a helmet to help with the formation of her skull. Georgette said although little Mia grows stronger the families debts continue to grow.

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While most babies spend the first years of their life sheltered, Mia will be in and out of hospitals. “This is the new normal for the Potgieter family and they have shown strength in facing each new challenge. They remain positive and loving, hiding their stress from their daughter, but they need help.”

At this point, every rand helps, but it is not making the necessary dent in their debts to ensure that they can keep on fighting for their daughter.

“Although staff at Edenglen host bake sales and fundraisers to help Mia and her family while continuing to help others in need, the school realised it needs to reach out to other angels,” said Georgette.

Edenglen High appealed to the community or businesses to assist the Potgieter family.

“Through supporting one another, we can rise and be the good we wish to see in the world.”

Visit baby Mia’s backabuddy profile for more information or phone Edenglen high on 011 609 8336 to learn how you can assist.

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