Tiandrè Gopi was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) two years ago, leaving him to deal with a nightmarish illness on a daily basis.
According to research, IPT is a “disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising or bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets — the cells that help your blood clot.”
In an interview about her son’s illness, Tanusha Gopi confided the personal circumstances surrounding Tiandrè’s birthday. The Newcastle Advertiser team decided to make his 13th birthday an extra special occasion, roping in all our contacts and arranging a surprise party for him and his classmates.
On Friday, September 12, Chantall van Biljon, Tameem Cajee, Mrs Gopi and I arrived at the school, greeting the children with boxes full of treats and a beautiful cake on a shiny silver platter. Singing ‘Happy Birthday’ as Tiandrè and his mom cut the cake, we fought back tears as he smiled from ear to ear, never expecting a single thing for his birthday.
Mrs Gopi thanked community for their assistance and continuous support in making her son’s life a little bit easier every day.
On behalf of the Newcastle Advertiser, we would like to thank Champ Marketing for the beautiful cake creation and Scott Street Pick ‘n Pay for contributing so much more than we could ever ask for. We hope Tiandrè and his family have many more happy birthdays to come!