Lelanie creates awareness about rare diseases
School takes part in the awareness campaign
SECUNDA – Ms Lelanie van der Merwe, Rare Diseases South Africa activist, created awareness for rare diseases in February.
Ms Van der Merwe said she reached about 1 200 households in Secunda and Bethal with her awareness campaign.
She chose February as her campaign month as February is Rare Diseases Awareness Month.
Ms Van der Merwe visited several schools in the area.
The Grade R to 3 learners of Oranjegloed Primary School took part in the campaign and Ms Van der Merwe also handed out flyers to inform parents about rare diseases.
The teachers helped by letting their learners make masks and hand out armbands.
The learners could also donate money that will be used by Rare Diseases South Africa to help children with rare diseases.
Ms Van der Merwe’s son, MC, was diagnosed with a rare disease called tuberous sclerosis that goes hand in hand with epilepsy and emotional distress.
For more information about Rare Diseases South Africa, contact Ms Van der Merwe at 082 385 474.
