IT really does take a village to raise a child.
Ask Rachel Uys, crisis mom for the Ray of Hope Babies’ Home, and she will tell you all about it, including the story of little Nqobile, the toddler awaiting adoption at the home.
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“Nqobile was dropped on the head at birth. She was taken to hospital and was diagnosed with a brain bleed. She was also experiencing convulsions,” said Uys.
At three weeks old, Nqobile joined the Ray of Hope Babies’ Home where she still resides.
She was on medication to stop the convulsions, but Uys needed to have an MRI done for her so that she could be adopted, and if the head injury had healed, she shouldn’t have to continue to take the medication if she didn’t need it.
“So, off I went with Nqobile to a medical centre in uMhlanga to get her a brain scan. There, I met a Swedish woman named Sophie Lööf, who lives in Ballito and owns a business globally. She also has a foundation and asked me to keep in touch with regards to Nqobile’s progress,” she added.
Uys learnt that they had to wait for Nqobile to turn a year before having the MRI done.
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In August, Nqobile was admitted to St Augustine’s Hospital where she was placed under anesthetic and the MRI was done.
“The hospital, Lake, Smith & Partners, and the anaesthetist reduced their fees drastically. The Sophie Lööf Foundation covered the remaining costs. The cherry on top was that Nqobile’s head injury is completely healed, and she doesn’t need to be on medication anymore, and her adoption process can begin,” said Uys.
“We are so grateful to everyone involved in Nqobile’s journey. Sophie also hosted the baby home afterwards and gave a huge donation for our babies. She has been with Nqobile every step of the way. It really does take a village to raise a child, and the home is glad to have so many people who care,” she added.
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