MUST READ: Siblings find out dreams can come true
Since being diagnosised with Duchenne;s muscular dystrophy, the siblings have travelled to Albert Luthuli Hospital in Pietermartizburg on a regular basis for their treatment, and it was because of their medical treatment that Reach for a Dream had found out about their plight.
Instilling hope through dreams, Reach for a Dream is determined to change lives one gift at a time.
The organisation came to Newcastle and helped realise the dreams of three siblings.
Sboniso and his brothers, Njabulo and Banele, all have Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
This is a genetic disorder which is characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, caused by an absence of dystrophin – a protein which helps keep muscle cells intact. The disorder’s onset takes place in early childhood; usually between the ages three and five years.
Since their diagnosis, the siblings have travelled to Albert Luthuli Hospital in Pietermartizburg on a regular basis for treatment. It was because of this medical treatment Reach for a Dream found out about their plight.
“We often visit hospitals, and doctors refer children to us. In the brothers’ case, one of their doctors contacted us and asked if we could possibly help them,” said Sajna Sivnarain of Reach for a Dream.
Kholiswa Nonkwelo from the organisation immediately arranged a meeting with the boys and their mother, Christina Phiri.
Nonkwelo assessed the boys’ medical disabilities and found what their respective personal desires were.
Eldest brother, 17-year-old Sboniso, dreamed of owning a laptop, while 14-year-old Njabulo, yearned for a PlayStation4 console, and nine-year-old Banele wanted a cellphone.
On Wednesday, September 13, the Reach for a Dream team met with the siblings at Factory Plaza.
KwaZulu-Natal branch manager for Reach for a Dream, Kerry Donkin explained the boys and their mother had no idea of the purpose of the meeting.
“We decided to surprise them and treat them to a 5D movie and lunch. Then, we focused on how the gifts were given. We wanted to make the day special for them,” she said.
The siblings were speechless after being given the gifts; overjoyed their dream requests had come true. They thanked Reach for a Dream.
“I am so happy for my sons,” said Phiri. “For years, I have dreamed something special could happen to them, just to take their minds off the challenges they face. The day has meant a lot to them, especially the gifts, as they have wanted them for ages.”
She gave her heartfelt thanks to the team.
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