Fundraising continues for Musgrave’s Ariella
Ariella Cocorozis's tragic story was covered in Berea Mail last month.
FUNDRAISING continues for Ariella Cocorozis, a five-year-old who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive and rare brain tumour.
So far, almost R274 000 has been raised on her BackaBuddy page, thanks to generous donations by family, friends and the public.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Anastasia Kougianos said Ariella fell unconscious on Friday, 2 November only three days after completing her radiation therapy.
“This was unexpected and a shock to all of us close to her. Ariella was taken to hospital but her parents were advised to take her home which was daunting in that situation.”
“Subsequently, a room was offered to them at Hospice where Ariella fought to live. Hospice and their staff were amazing and the wonderful care they provide there is inspiring. Fortunately, Hospice was not the place for Ariella and she is currently making wonderful progress in a private facility in Durban,” said Anastasia.
ALSO READ: Musgrave’s little warrior needs your help
She said Ariella was put on an IV and was slowly regaining her strength.
“She opens her eyes, smiles, moves her tongue and arms. Everyday she is far more alert and her doctors are helping her work towards more progress.”
“These are all very good signs. I saw Ariella’s face beam with delight when her parents smiled and sweet talked to her. It was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life to see her beautifully happy emotion come through to them. She truly adores them as much as she is adored,” she said.
Ariella had her first post-radiation MRI scan on Monday and doctors from abroad have been updated to determine the best way forward with regard to Ariella’s treatment.
The next fundraising event is a Zumba fundraiser in Pietermaritzburg that has been arranged by a close friend of family, Nevitha Maharaj, at Ridge Primary School on Monday, 3 December from 6.35pm to 7.35pm.
Contact Anastasia Kougianos on 082 892 0721 or akougianos@outlook.com.
Future events are on the Facebook page: For the love of Ariella.
To donate on the BackaBuddy page, visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ariella-help-us-beat-dipg.
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