Little girl with a big fighting spirit
Although the path to recovery has been long and challenging, it's also been rewarding.
In May, 2020 two parents’ world was turned upside down when their beloved six-year-old daughter was run over by a speeding car and consequently was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
The parents, Melandre Daniels and Delano Palmer were informed that their daughter, Naleah would never be able to see, walk, talk, learn, eat or do anything a healthy child could, ever again.
However the little girl proved to be a fighter as she did the opposite of what was her parents were told.
“I was saddened by this news but I did not give up or doubt that God could still change the doctor’s reports. I just knew that my child would come out of this for we serve a living God, a God that can perform miracles,” Melandre said.
“Naleah showed us that God is indeed a miracle worker as she was eating, starting to walk, brushing her teeth and stacking colour-coded cups during her physio sessions.”
Although the path to recovery has been long and challenging, it’s also been rewarding. Unfortunately, good health comes with a price tag which resulted in Naleah’s family battling to keep up with paying the continuous doctor’s accounts.
In efforts to support the family and contribute to the worthy cause, Footprint Hikers hosted a special hiking event for little Naleah in September at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve. Footprint Hikers is a registered fundraising committee, raising funds by doing what they love most – hiking, and making a difference one step at a time.
According to committee chairperson, Natashia McPherson over 100 hikers supported the event on the day. Each person hiked approximately four to fives kilometres through the picturesque reserve.
“Each hiker was asked to pay an entry fee but at the end of the day, any donation was welcome. We are ecstatic to announce that we managed to raise R20 000 for Naleah. We paid it towards her remedial school fees and additional therapy,” said Natashia and committee treasurer Joleen Smith.
The cause also enjoyed some very positive feedback on social media. Naleah’s family would like to thank Footprint Hikers for the immense difference they have made in their lives as well as everyone who hiked on the day and contributed to the cause.
