Helping Devin

Helping Devin........

Meet Naz, single mum, full time Debtors Administrator, part time care-giver and everyday super woman. I met Naz as one of the parents at Max and Ross’s (my twin boys) playschool. She was the mum that was always arranging fund raising events for the school, giving selflessly of her time to benefit others. She is the lady you might well see when visiting your grandparents at the retirement village. That lady who gives up several hours of her personal time to do the pensioners hair and nails, at no charge, of course. It’s only when one realises just how precious her time is, that you truly appreciate the kind of person Naz really is…….

You see, Naz’s main job in life, is being mum to 6 year old Devin. Devin is an intelligent, humorous, loving and energetic little boy. There is, however, something that sets Devin apart from other kids, and while it definitely does not define him, it most certainly adds to life’s daily challenges, for both him and his mum. Devin has epilepsy, and this adds various obstacles to Naz and Devin’s daily life – hurdles that anyone could do without, hurdles that become incapacitating to a single, working mum.

As the sole breadwinner, Nazleen works full time, and travels from Bergvliet to town (and back) everyday, relying solely on public transport. This robs her of precious hours that should be spent playing with Devin. Devin has to follow a very strict bedtime routine to help keep the seizures at bay, and many nights Naz only gets to spend an hour (or less) with her little boy, before bedtime. He often suffers from seizures during the night and this means that a restful night’s sleep is never on the cards for this devoted mum. Recently Devin’s seizures changed pattern, and they must once again look for new answers to ensure Devin is getting the best treatment and the right medication. There are numerous avenues which can be explored, but the financial strain brought on by Devin’s situation, coupled with the very real work commitments, which Naz faces, make many of these options incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Imagine worrying where the money will come from for the next meds, every single month. Imagine always having to feel torn between fulfilling your work commitments, and being there when your child is sick. Imagine frantically chasing time every day, in the hope of just a few more minutes with your child. Imagine doing all this without the assistance of a partner. These are the realities of life that Naz must face every single day, as she tries to juggle everything, with a significant weight on her shoulders.

They say Karma ensures that what goes around comes around. In this case Karma needs a push! It is time that life gave back to Naz and Devin, who give so much of themselves to others. Incidentally, Devin is being raised with the same gracious spirit in life and joins his mum at all their selfless community volunteering engagements.

Please help if you can!

Firstly, I am trying to raise funds to assist with medical costs. Every cent helps and all donations will be so appreciated. Best case scenario would be a monthly donation – a set amount (no matter how small) that Naz could rely on, so that she no longer has to worry about how she will buy the meds and supplements that Devin desperately requires. Once-off donations are also welcome – the road to finding the best treatment for Devin, is going to be an expensive one, and your assistance will go a long way to making this path both smoother and more accessible.

My second request is directed at the people of Cape Town, particularly those in the Southern Suburbs. I am appealing to all those vehicles that drive to town and back every day with empty seats. If there are any kind souls out there who might be able to assist with lifts, this will help to give Naz the best gift of all – extra time with her amazing little boy!