Help give Naledi a fighting chance
KELVIN – Naledi arrived at the Juno Aurora Haven when she was just six months old after her mother had fallen ill.
Four-year-old Naledi from the Juno Aurora Haven in Kelvin will soon receive life-saving heart surgery but needs support from the public to cover the costs involved.
Naledi arrived at the Juno Aurora Haven when she was just six months old after her mother had fallen ill.
Founder of the home Chaya Fenwich explained, “She arrived extremely tiny and underdeveloped. She fitted into newborn clothing and couldn’t even rollover. But within the first two weeks, she started blossoming and caught up her milestones quickly.”
Fenwich described Naledi as a vivacious young girl who is very active. “She is every visitor’s favourite. She is scared of nothing and is a fierce warrior. She loves drawing, climbing, telling stories and pretends to knit and crochet with me.”
Almost three years ago, Fenwich took Naledi to a paediatrician who detected a heart murmur on the young child.
She has been diagnosed with a heart defect which presents itself as a growth on the left aorta. Doctors have waited until the growth grew in size before contemplating an operation.
Upon noticing a slight trickle of blood mixing, doctors have recommended that she receives surgery in the next six months to save her life.
Volunteer of three years at the home Melody Eggar said, “Over the past few weeks, Naledi has been tiring more easily and sleeping more than usual. We are doing our best to keep her safe and keep her spirits up. We know that without this operation, she won’t be with us for her next birthday, and that’s too difficult to contemplate.”
Soon Fenwich will find out the date for the surgery which will either be conducted at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital or the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
Community members have begun a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign aiming to raise R100 000 to cater for the expenses involved when Naledi returns home. She will need to be kept in a sterile environment for a period of six months following the operation.
“I want Naledi to be able to grow up and do something good for the world,” said Fenwich.
Eggar added, “Any mother would try to save their child. She deserves a fighting chance.”
Visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/heart-surgery-for-naledi to donate.
