Trinityhouse Pre-primary Randpark Ridge wore yellow to commemorate a learner’s baby brother who passed away from Trisomy 18.
Two years ago Khangi Maduna, lived for only 24hours after his birth to due to Trisomy 18 which is also known as Edwards syndrome.
According to the Trisomy 18 Foundation , it is a condition which is caused by an error in cell division, known as meiotic disjunction.
When this happens, instead of the normal pair of chromosomes, an extra chromosome, 18 (a triple), results in the developing baby and disrupts the normal pattern of development in significant ways that can be life-threatening, even before birth.
The foundation carries on to say that unlike Down syndrome, which also is caused by an extra chromosome, the developmental issues caused by Trisomy 18 are associated with more medical complications that are more potentially life-threatening in the early months and years of life
Maduna’s older brother, Nhlanhla, was in the school’s tiger class at the time his little brother lost his life to the syndrome.
Due to the family’s tragedy, the school stepped up in support of the family and decided to have a special day of tribute to Khangi. On 18 March 2016, which is also worldwide Trisomy Day, the school wore yellow to pay tribute to him.
This year the school held its commemoration on 19 March and donations were collected, which were handed over to the Trisomy Foundation.
The school has promised the family they will commemorate this day every year.
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