Miracle child Tahlia needs YOU to help her parents help HER thrive

EVERY mother in the world will tell you that all they pray for during that nine months of pregnancy is for a healthy baby and the  dad-to-be hears all about how he is going to be presented with this amazing, perfect child.

The fact is, not every child is born perfect.

Little miracle child Tahlia-Nia Smith was, at the tender age of 10 weeks, diagnosed with microcephaly – a rare neurological condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than usual.

It is believed that Tahlia had contracted the rubella virus during the first trimester of her mom’s pregnancy and as a result suffered extensive injury to her brain stem, mid-brain and cortex.

She was born deaf and suffers from cerebral palsy and has seizures every single day.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Big boost for Ben’s battle

Despite this tragic news, Tahlia endures and as we were told, just loves to be tickled and treated like any other child. Her power house smile also does wonders for anyone who thinks they have reason to complain about anything.

Needless to say, this didn’t mean that parents Michelle and Corne’s lives didn’t change as a result.

Tahlia requires a minimum of six to seven hours of neurological and physiological stimulation a day to ensure that she continues to grow both mentally and physically.

However, the six-year-old’s  programme needs to be reviewed and amended every six months in order to ensure that it remains in line with her growth.

Her parents have gone on countless trips overseas to attend multiple courses over the years, all in the hope of being better equipped to support their daughter.

As one can imagine, this is quite costly and becomes difficult to continue especially after her mother, Michelle, felt it necessary to resign from her job in order to care for her daughter.

They now rely solely on Corne’s income.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Scottburgh goes pink for Lettie

By the age of four, Tahlia had already undergone four major operations.  She endured a cochlear implant, adductor muscle lengthening surgery, a failed (and painfu)l femoral osteotomy which resulted in being encased in a body cast which covered 80 percent of her body for seven weeks, and a Nissen fundoplication operation because of acid reflux.

Her parents have said that despite all the challenges their daughter faces, she remains a gloriously happy little girl who is hungry to learn – Tahlia simply loves reading.

The normal day-to-day living expenses have now placed Michelle and Corne under huge financial strain as a result of the build-up of debt due to medical costs, travelling and medical equipment.

They have even gone so far as to put their house on the market. Sadly, this won’t really help cover the huge costs.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Umdoni loses one of its finest sons

Then Corne’s sister came up with a brilliant plan. Neline Sutherland – whom many locals will remember from a horrid home invasion gone wrong in Freeland Park in 2007, when Neline lost her husband – in conjunction with Rocky Bay Resorts, will be hosting a walk, run, cycle fun day in order to raise much-needed funds to assist the family.

The fun day will be held on March 12. For more information contact Janet Simpkins at 083 2880091 or Neline at 081 7893896.

All funds raised will go towards Tahlia’s treatment and medical costs.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033