Raising Aidan with your help

Melissa Hunt is a mother on a mission to raise the daunting sums necessary for her son Aidan, who was diagnosed with the exceptionally rare Costello syndrome at the age of 18 months, becoming only the second person in South Africa to be diagnosed with the genetic disorder.

Costello syndrome is characterised by severe feeding difficulties, delays in development and motor skills, and shortened tendons in Aidan’s hands and feet, among other problems. As Aidan grows, he will need regular abdominal scans for cancerous tumours, heart scans, as well as weekly occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy treatment. As medical aid will not cover the staggering ongoing costs of raising her son, Melissa, her friends and family have launched the Raising Aidan campaign to generate funds for this special cause.

In an ingenious effort to raise money, Melissa sells a range of delicious microwave cake and cupcake mixes, in flavours ranging from the traditional (chocolate, vanilla and caramel) to the unusual (red velvet, custard, chai and Horlicks). The cupcakes are even available gluten free, and accompanying icing kits can be bought as well.

Packs sell at about R30 each, and for those less eager to bake themselves, Melissa also sells ready-baked trays of cupcakes. In corporate awareness sessions, Melissa offers free tastings in return for the opportunity to promote her cupcakes and her cause.

Aidan’s story has attracted the attention of Commonwealth SA Finalist and Fourways resident, Chloe Roberts, who is assisting Melissa to host a champagne breakfast at the Indaba Hotel on 1 November. This sparkling event will raise funds and awareness for Aidan, while offering guests a morning of glamour, celebrities, speakers, and activities.

Tickets are sold individually, and corporates are invited to purchase tables of 10, with an additional opportunity to provide promotional material to guests.

Details: Melissa Hunt 083 67 888 19; melissa@raisingaidan.co.za; www.raisingaidan.co.za