Patel sisters prepare to leave South Africa

“The medication helps me lead a normal life. Without it I don’t know what will happen.”

Shameema Patel was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 1998, at the age of 16.

“After she was diagnosed, she was ill for 10 years, until we found a clinic in Tahoma in the United States, which supplied her with the proper medication,” explained her mother, Rashida Patel.

Since then, Shameema and her sister, Haseena, have made waves in fighting for equality through their organisation, Leave No Girl Behind International (LNGBI).

Allegedly, Shameema will no longer have access to her medication, as national health services revoked the necessary importation documentation.

“Shameema needs her medication as SLE is an autoimmune disease, which can affect any organ. Without it, she will deteriorate physically and we cannot get the necessary medication in South Africa,” Mrs Patel explained.

Currently, Shameema has only enough medication to last her until the end of January.

“I am taking the medication every second day, but it won’t last me until February,” Shameema said.

The Patel family allegedly made several attempts to contact the national health department.

“We have received no response from them and we have done so much for the country through LNGBI. This feels lke a betrayal,” claimed Haseena.

The Patel family are now making arrangements to leave the only home they have ever known, and plan to emigrate to the United States by the end of February.

“A friend of ours has started a crowd fund on social media and we have received some donations, but we do need more help. Shameema’s life depends on it,” Haseena said.

Pleading for assistance, the Patel family are requesting Newcastle’s help to raise the necessary funds to go to the United States.

They can be contacted on either 034 317 2151 or 082 579 1792.