DESPITE living with an incurable disease for 31 years, brave Marianna de Lange has dedicated her life to helping those who can’t help themselves.
The 60-year-old mother and wife was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) 31 years ago and has opted to look on the brighter side with the notion that there are people who are living in worse conditions than she is.
The bubbly Northdene resident has endured the pain of other life changing diagnosis’ over the years.
“I had an operation to remove the thymize gland within two years after being diagnosed in 1986, called a thymectomy.
“On top of that I have epilepsy, thyroid problems, blood pressure, Parkinson’s Disease (tremor in the left hand, so that means I struggle to write), cholesterol, Predisone (cortizone) help with double vision and now I have Diverticular Disease. This is causing lots of problems – I am bed-ridden for two to three days with my colon,” she said.
ALSO READ: Teacher acknowledged for selfless effort
MG is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles your body uses for movement.
It occurs when communication between nerve cells and muscles becomes impaired. This impairment prevents crucial muscle contractions from occurring, resulting in muscle weakness.
There is no cure for MG. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and control the activity of your immune system.
Marianna said writing is frustrating and having to explain to people why I can’t fill in forms myself or the fact that I have to stand in order to be able to write, is more frustrating.
Marianna, along with her husband, Gert Janse van Rensburg, run the Alfa Omega Charity Fund that raises money for various organisations.
“I am coping with a computer and am helping a charity raise funds for the mentally and physically disabled community in and around Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Margate.”
“We support CHOC (children with cancer); Pathways, Westville; Shavathon; CANSA KZN; His Hands Mission (Pastor Leon van Assenderp of the Old Fort Chapel (feeding schemes); Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home, Sunfield Home, Howick; St Martin’s de Porres, Port Shepstone, Sizabantu, Uvongo and various other organisations and individuals such as providing food for informal settlements.
ALSO READ: Candice celebrates a milestone through Miles4Marrow campaign
“We have been operating for nine years now and really try our best,” she said.
Their organisation places tins in shopping centres around KZN for people to donate their change.
They also accept any donations including toys and clothes which they donate to organisations like CHOC and shelters.
“My goal in life is to reach out to other people, give them hope and to encourage them to continue smiling and stay positive,” she said.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
