Labour of love for angel child

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - With the hope of ensuring a future for her daughter, Ava-Rose Adonis (8), Graaff-Reinet resident Nadine Adonis recently embarked on a new endeavour, ‘Engelkind’, to raise funds for the special care, education and therapy her daughter requires.

Ava-Rose, who suffers from a rare chromosomal disorder, was born on 17 September 2012 at the Midland Hospital in Graaff-Reinet.

As a result of complications in the first few days after birth, she was transferred to the Life Mercantile Hospital in Port Elizabeth.

There she was kept for a week after a series of tests were performed and she was diagnosed with septicaemia and jaundice. Not long after returning home, her mother, Nadine, noticed she was turning blue after every feed.

They were referred back to Port Elizabeth where more tests followed, and this time it was discovered that she had a leaking heart.

At only one month old, Ava-Rose underwent heart surgery at the Netcare Greenacres Hospital. During that time it was also discovered that she has an extremely rare chromosomal disorder (10q24), one generally characterized by unusually slow growth, abnormally diminished muscle tone, and mild to severe delays when it comes to the coordination of mental and muscular activities.

Ava-Rose Adonis

Later it was found that Ava-Rose suffers from profound hearing loss and she was fitted with hearing aids at the age of three. She almost immediately started crawling and making sounds.

She eventually learned to walk, although she still struggles with her balance.

Unfortunately, mainly because of financial reasons, Ava-Rose has been unable to receive all the medical and educational assistance she requires.

"Ava is a fighter. She has overcome many obstacles in her short life, the most recent being Covid-19,” says Nadine. “Ava has so much potential, but as a single parent it is difficult to give her everything she needs. I want to give her the best education I can, but for that I need specific tools and help."

Photo gallery: ‘Engelkind’, to raise funds for special needs

In order to raise funds Nadine has started making bandana bibs and burp cloths for babies and toddlers under the ‘Engelkind' banner.

In a recent Facebook post, Nadine appealed to the Graaff-Reinet community to support her fundraising efforts by purchasing these lovingly made and reasonably priced items.

Orders can be placed with Nadine at 071 756 7526.