Vershano dreams big
Vershano dreams of becoming an astronaut and for his birthday his dream might have come true.
If you ever thought that dreams do not come true, Vershano Jayden Kenneth will tell you differently.
Vershano, who celebrated his eighth birthday on 22 November, dreams of going to space one day. Unfortunately after being diagnosed with intestinal failure, an illness that causes his organs not to function properly and making taking in food very difficult, going to space might seem impossible. Vershano has been suffering from this illness since he was 10 months old. He has undergone more than 30 operations and still doctors do not seem to be able to give a proper diagnosis. “In the last three years it has worsened a lot,” said his mother, Narissa Kenneth.
Narissa told the News that she had to resign from her job and that they cannot keep up with the medical bills they need to pay. “But,” she said, “he is very strong and he always finds a way to smile.” According to Narissa, Vershano always ask her if she is fine even though he is in pain.
The Reach for a Dream Foundation contacted the South African National Space Agency’s (Sansa) Space Operations Directorate and they decided to make Vershano’s birthday a memorable one.
The Satellite Tracking Station in Hartebeesthoek welcomed Vershano with open arms and he received a personal video messages from three National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) astronauts. He also received autographed photos from the astronauts. The Reach for a Dream field worker, David Fourie, made his day even more memorable by spoiling Vershano with a lot of gifts. Sansa also had a special cake made just for him and gave him a special tour of the agency.
Vershano is always happy and will not allow his illness to stand in the way of reaching his dreams. He is still undergoing tests for mitochondrial disease and to find the cause of his immune system problems.
The Reach for a Dream Foundation fulfils the dreams of children aged between three and 18 who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation is always in need of funding to keep going. They can supply 18A certificates for cash donations and their BEE score is also 100 per cent.
Contact Anél Engelbrecht on 012 346 0373 if you wish to become involved.
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