ThembaCare Athlone is an 18 bed pediatric palliative care hospice. ThembaCare Athlone provides safe care for children suffering from HIV/AIDS or other life threatening diseases.

Friday, July 15, 2011

July News

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.  There are seven million  ~Walt Streightiff

I have been marvelling at the enthusiasm and joy with which our children explore and experience life. Simple things like playing on the grass, going for a walk down the street, or reading stories easily turn into a celebration of life. Unfortunately children are not always granted these opportunities. Baby F, a 14 month old girl, arrived at ThembaCare last year with chronic malnutrition, weighing 5.4 kg (the typical weight of a 3 month old baby). She was so neglected that medical staff was not very positive about her prognosis. Today this little girl is a happy, chubby 2 year old toddler who keeps us on our toes! Although she is still slightly delayed in some of her developmental milestones, she has made up for lost years with her active personality and is running around and speaking her first words!

We are very thankful for Little Lambs who has been supporting the mother of one of our patients to build a new shack. As this mother did not have a safe home to take her little girl back to, baby A had to remain at ThembaCare, even though her health had improved. She will now be able to return to her new home with her mother and sister. A group of ladies have also volunteered to donate some household appliances for their new home. A group from Protea Hotels visited ThembaCare this month and brought boxes of much needed nappies, baby products and clothes. Thank you for helping provide continued care for little ones!