Tragedy befalls Pta family time and time again
Kyla (19) is now mother and caregiver for her 11-year-old sister, after own mother became terminally ill and godmother (40) dies of Covid-19.
It certainly could not have gone worse than the fate that befell one family from Pretoria.
In a short period of time, a single mother of two children was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the father of the youngest child died.
On top of this, the children’s “other mother” and provider died of a Covid-related illness last Monday.
Kayla Sharpe (19), who matriculated at Hoërskool Pretoria Noord last year, is now a provider and caretaker for her 11-year-old sister Riana.
Their mother, Janine, was diagnosed with very aggressive cervical cancer.
Kayla said the cancer spread rapidly to her mother’s other organs earlier this year.
“My mother underwent a full hysterectomy to try to remove the cancer,” said Kayla.
“But the cancer, unfortunately, spread to her intestines.”
With Janine more in the hospital than at home, Kayla had to take care of her younger sister by herself.
Kayla, who is studying education, works part-time as an after-school tutor. She has also home schooled her sister for a period of time.
Then, at the start of 2021, an “angel” opened her heart and home to the two children.
Miena Avenante took in Kayla and Riana to stay with her family in Les Marais.
Miena’s son, Gawie, is Kayla’s boyfriend. Although Gawie still goes to school, Kayla said he fully supports her and helps care for her sister.
“I will forever be grateful for what Tannie Miena, Oom Paul (Miena’s husband) and Gawie did for me and my sister.”
For months, it seemed the two sisters were coping well, with their new family supporting them through their mom’s illness.
But fate again had other plans for the family.
On Monday evening, May 10, Miena died of a Covid-related illness in the hospital.
“It was so sudden, I still can’t believe it,” said Kayla.
“At 23:00 on Monday Oom Paul received a call from the hospital and he and Gawie rushed to hospital.
“I knew it could only mean one thing, but I still hoped that Tannie Miena would be okay.”
Miena was diagnosed with Covid-19 two weeks prior.
“The rest of us now also have Covid,” said Kayla.
“What makes the whole situation even worse is that a person who died of Covid must be buried within five days.
“We are in isolation and will only be able to hold a service to say goodbye after Tannie Miena is buried.”
Miena passed away at the young age of 40 and leaves behind her husband, son and also her two goddaughters Kayla and Riana.
She was buried on Friday, 14 May and a funeral service for the family will take place on Monday, 24 May.
Friends of Kayla recently shared their condolences with the family.
“It’s incredibly sad. I do not know if Tannie Miena was human or an angel. She was one of the best, most special people on earth,” said friend Sheliezé van Deventer.
Kayla praised friends and community members who assisted the family.
“I lost my anchor, Tannie Miena, but at least we get so much love and support in our community of believers.”
Kayla’s mother was recently discharged from the hospital after doctors told her that her cancer was terminal.
“My mother could no longer receive radiation, because her body will not be able to handle it.”
Kayla said her mother stays very close to the house where she, her sister, Gawie and his father live.
“Fortunately, my mother has someone to take care of her at home.”
Kayla’s sister Riana also lost her father in March this year.
“Riana’s father passed away on 29 March. As young as she (Riana) is, I think she also tries to stay strong for our sake.”
Through all the tragedies that have befallen Kayla and her family, she remains positive.
Her old school friends said that Kayla always smiles and despite her own troubles would try and cheer others up.
The friends pleaded with their community in the Moot and North for support to Kayla and the Avenante family.
Anyone who can offer help can contact the family on 066-090-3235.
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