Educational Visit, Shaziah age 7 Down With Down Syndrome and a Heart Defect

A Bonteheuwel mother needs financial assistance getting her and her Down Syndrome daughter to America to attend a special educational programme. Six-year-old daughter, Shaziah, got the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the prestigious Gigi’s Playhouse in Phoenix, Arizona, but still need R35 000.

Shaziah does not only have Down Syndrome but also Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), better known as Blue Baby Syndrome.TOF is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth.

Gigi’s is an achievement centre for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and their community. It provides free therapeutic and educational programmes which, among others, advance literacy, math and skills.

The trip to Arizona could be life-changing for Shaziah and her mother plans to use the experience at Gigi’s, to learn about their ways and come back and educate others.

The school’s technology and programmes for young and adult Down Syndrome individuals is amazing and all-inclusive, especially for Shaziah, will be educational, interacting with others, a boost to her self-esteem and would teach her independence.

We really need funding. We have managed to raise R15 000, which will go towards flights and visas, and we have also tried to get support from different government departments, but we have yet to receive any response.

We’ve had fundraisers, but most of them failed. We would really appreciate this opportunity.