Home away from home
NORTHCLIFF – Nestled in the foothills of Northcliff Ridge, a children's home provides care for youngsters battling chronic illnesses.
Marang House in Acacia Road, Northcliff, provides a home for children between the ages of four and 14. These children suffer from chronic illnesses and require round the clock monitoring and long-term treatment at a tertiary hospital. The home was founded in 1998 by Dutch philanthropist Dr Pieter Ernst. In July 2005 Ernst was murdered on his family farm in Magaliesburg. He was just 48 years old. But ten years later, his legacy lives on.
“Since we opened 17 years ago, we have had over a hundred children in our care,” said Matron Salome Parkies. “We currently have 13 children living here, looked after by a body of six staff. Illnesses range from type 1 diabetes, to renal failure, and pulmonary disease. The children are all referred to us by social workers at the state hospitals.” She added that the parents of these children are not able, logistically or financially, to provide the care needed to keep these children physically healthy in their home environment.
“Until the children with renal failure are matched with a donor and receive a kidney transplant, they need to go for dialysis three times a week,” explained Salome. “Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – for four hours at a stretch, at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (formerly Joburg Gen).
“All our children also go to a school on the hospital premises. We are making an appeal for drivers to help transport the kids to and/or from school and treatment.”
Marang House relies solely on the generosity of its donors. Should you wish to help with transport, or make a donation in honour of Dr Ernst’s memory, please see their website for details.
