Durban North mom turns grief into hope
Following the tragic R102 crash, which claimed the lives of four Victory Christian Academy learners, one mom has found the courage to overcome her grief and launch her own support group.
TWO years ago Jerelene Thaver’s life was turned upside down when her 17-year-old daughter, Andrea Thaver, was tragically killed in a head-on collision along the R102.
Andrea and 12 other people were on their way back from a leadership camp, on 12 June 2015, when a truck and their mini-bus collided.
The horrific accident also claimed the lives of three other Victory Christian Academy learners, Tamia Mooroogasen (13), Saisha Shampersad (14) and Caitlyn Oliver (14).
However, the Durban North mom recently managed to turn her tragedy into triumph, when she founded the Angel Warriors support group. This group aims to provide support and hope to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one, and are struggling to cope with life after the tragedy.
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Thaver said her experience has taught her that the journey of grief can be confusing, lonely and debilitating, however there is life after loss.
Thaver said she started the group as means to honour her daughter and to ‘walk alongside people who have suffered loss’.
“She was just such a passionate and contagious person – full of life and spirit. I did not want to let her legacy die or to let her death have been in vain,” she said.
The courageous mom said her journey through grief, however, was not an easy one.
“The last couple of years of my life have been a blur. I never thought I would get to a place where I would be able to give back to the community, but here I am stronger and focused at helping others on a similar journey through grief. I have walked this journey, so I am living proof that you can make it,” she said.
So far, the group has had phenomenal reach and success.
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“Through the group’s Facebook page I have been able to assist people as far as Zambia, America and Korea.”
Thaver explained that the name of the group holds significant meaning.
The word ‘angel’ represents the lost loved ones, while the word ‘warrior’ refers to the people who are on a daily basis battling to live life without their loved ones.
The group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss – regardless of age, religion or background.
The group meets informally at Chelsea Preparatory School at least once a month. The time and dates are confirmed on the group’s Facebook page.
Professionals and life coaches are also invited to speak at the meetings. Thaver inspires others through motivational talks and her own personal experience.
Contact Jerelene Thaver on jerelene73@gmail.com or visit the Facebook group here for more information.
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