The gift of life…pass it on.

It’s been 35 years of regular doctors, specialists and hospital visits. Nadia, who is now 35 years old, was born with a complex cyanotic heart disease. Cyanotic heart disease refers to a group of many different heart defects that are present at birth (congenital). They result in a low blood oxygen level. She has had 4 major heart ops since the age of 3. This has caused her to become easily tired and out of breath. Nadia is unable to work a normal 9 to 5 job, and therefore her days are spent at home. She has tried making and selling costume jewellery, which she did for a short while, however even this becomes a mammoth task.

A short while ago, Nadia received devastating news from her Cardiologist, she was told that they cannot perform any further surgeries to repair her organs and arteries and that she would need a heart and lung transplant. As you can imagine, this news came like a hurricane on an already delicate situation.

Medication, doctors’ visits and day to day living has become even more of a challenge for her. Her medication is quite expensive and when medical aid savings are depleted, it’s cash that would have to be used. She would also need an oxygen concentrator in the future.

Nadia has been placed on the organ donor list and is currently waiting for a donor.

When Nadia was born, it was just her and her mom, her mom who is now 72 years old, a pensioner and her rock. It was just the two of them until Nadia got married and brought her angel son into the world. As unexpected as life can be, her marriage didn’t work out, she’s been divorced for 6 years. Her son, who lives with her and her mom, is 11 years old. They receive no support from her son’s father.

Nadia’s dream is to be there to support and cheer her son on for many many years to come. To leave a legacy for him and NOT medical bills to pay for the rest of his life. Right now, she needs as much support as possible as this is already a mentally draining situation for her and her family.

All who know Nadia will attest to her amazing personality. Through all these difficult times, her positive attitude has never waivered. She’s always smiling, always kind, always willing to help in any way she can, always has a shining presence.

We, her family are imploring all who are able, to assist with any donation that will go towards her medical bills and to ease her burden just a little.

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. Two hands are better than one, so let’s support Nadia in any way we can.