AN uMhlanga nutritional consultant, homeopath and author has overcome many obstacles despite being visually impaired.
Dinesha Naicker was diagnosed with Vogt Koyanagi Harada (VKH), an auto-immune disease, in 2011. VKH is a vision-threatening multisystem autoimmune disorder which created uncomfortable inflammation in her eyes causing her sight to diminish.
Also read: VIDEO: Miss Deaf SA finalist teaches us how to sign SA’s major cities
“I have undergone surgeries and even went to Chennai for treatment, but unfortunately, my corneas remain damaged and irreplaceable due to collateral damage to my ciliary body. It’s like I’m constantly looking through a dirty window,” she said.
“The condition was manageable for five or six years, but then I started to have recurring relapses which resulted in both eyes getting inflamed and me becoming visually impaired. Although the condition has subsided, I won’t be able to see properly again,” added Naicker.
But nothing gets this positive and strong-willed human being down.
She recently launched her children’s book, called The Adventures of Niki and Tanay – Words are a Gift, at The Durban International Book Fair and plans on writing her next book soon. She is also a practising homeopath and qualified yoga instructor.
“When I developed VKH, I thought that I would no longer fulfill my dream of giving back but I have still managed to do that through my book though a friends that motivated me. The book teaches children mindfulness and to always show love,” she said.
While undergoing treatment in India, Naicker said she remembered having a conversation with her friend, Sindhu Kuttan, who inspired her to fulfil her goal of writing her own book.
“I am encouraged to continue my work towards mindfulness and all the beauty it brings to this world. We all deserve to dance in the sunlight of awareness,” she said.
She encouraged individuals to support Casual Day this September by purchasing a sticker for R20 at any of the supporting retailers.
#ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities
Therina Wentzel, national director of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities’ (NCPD), said she believes that smiles can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully uncontrollable proportions.
“The theme for Casual Day 2023 banks on a phenomenon that has been neglected for too long – one that has been known to mankind from the beginning of time: The smile,” said Wentzel.
“The NCPD has decided to employ that uplifting, comforting and inspiring facial expression as an ally in this year’s campaign.”
She says a smile is indicative of the presence of love, kindness, goodwill, caring and many other positive traits in human hearts. “The most important characteristic of a smile, which the NCPD believes it can utilise, is that it is more infectious than any disease known to man.”
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
