As we approach Mandela Day, Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services invites companies to show their support for the 5-star Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) rated NPO, Stepping Stone, by sponsoring or adopting them.

Their mission is to provide palliative care to both young and old patients with life-threatening illnesses, and they rely greatly on donations to continue offering dignity care.

They are particularly passionate about supporting their children’s unit in Raceview, which is home to vulnerable youngsters like Lulo, who has been bravely battling Trisomy18, a rare genetic disorder.

Despite the odds, Lulo has made remarkable progress under their care, and they are committed to ensuring that she and other young patients grappling life-limiting illnesses receive the support they need.

However, Stepping Stone faces significant challenges in providing around-the-clock care to their children, who require specialized attention and support. That is why they are reaching out to companies to help them make a difference.

Lulo triumphs

Lulo was admitted to Parklands ICU in October 2024 for the whole month for seizures.

“It was then reported that her seizures were no longer controllable and we were probably at the end of her life because she was diagnosed with Edward’s syndrome/Trisomy 18 at birth. This is a rare genetic disorder where a child is born with 47 chromosomes instead of 46. She has three sets of chromosome 18, hence it’s called Trisomy 18,” said Fikile Matsinye, her mother.

She said this causes defects in the development of major organs. She was born with two holes in her heart, underdeveloped brain, and other facial feature defects.

“She has miraculously survived it all without major surgery, unlike other children diagnosed with the same condition. Lulo is not using oxygen as anticipated; she breathes on room air. Her development has surprised her specialists, who believe she is a miracle baby,” Fikile said.

Fast forward to November 2024, from Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, she was stepped down to the Stepping Stone Hospice, “Where we thought she would not live much longer.”

To everyone’s surprise, she has never had a single seizure since then and has since recovered.

“Unfortunately, the medical aid authorisation was on the palliative care, and they reviewed the authorisation since her recovery. They started taking funds from the savings, which have now been depleted,” she explained.

Unfortunately, their children require around-the-clock care because they cannot function independently.

“We would highly appreciate any form of sponsorship or donations. By sponsoring or adopting Stepping Stone this Mandela Day, you will be contributing to providing palliative care to children with life-threatening illnesses, supporting our children’s unit, which cares for youngsters like Lulo and enabling us to continue our vital work,” said Tersia Burger, Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO. Please contact us to learn more about how you can support us this Mandela Day on 010 442 5059 or email: fundraising@steppingstonehospice.co.za