21 February 2007

 

Marang House on Channel Africa
 

Marang House was featured today on Channel Africa. The award-winning weekly 30-minute radio show 'Tam Tam Express' was entirely dedicated to Marang House this week. In this edition the children of Marang House tell you their stories and further challenge you to look into the world of organ donation.

Tam Tam Express is broadcasted worldwide as the show is syndicated on the World Radio Network. Click here to listen to the Tam Tam Express edition about Marang House.

# posted by Pieter Ernst Jr @ 03:57 0 Comments

 

20 February 2007

 

Lorraine wants to meet Beyonce!
 

Last December Lorraine (12) finally received her long awaited kidney transplant. She is recovering exceptionally well at Marang House from her operation and is enjoying all the benefits of having a kidney, such as being allowed to eat nearly everything and drinking lots of water.





Lorraine is a huge fan of Beyonce Knowles and the music of Beyonce has meant a lot to Lorraine while she was still sick and receiving her dialysis treatments. Lorraine’s biggest dream is therefore to meet Beyonce Knowles to personally tell her how much she admires her.

Can you help to turn Lorraine’s wildest dream into reality?

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# posted by Pieter Ernst Jr @ 11:57 0 Comments

 

19 February 2007

 

Situation of people suffering from chronic renal failure and organ donations in South Africa featured on Special Assignment (SABC 3)
 

Tomorrow's Special Assignment will focus on the situation in South Africa with regard to people suffering from chronic renal failure and the availability of dialysis machines and scarcity of organs for transplants. As most of the children staying at Marang House are waiting for a new kidney, I am very familiar with the situation in South Africa and I am very glad that Special Assignment is covering the subject.

A few highlights of tomorrow's documentary:

"Chronic kidney failure is not much talked about in this country, yet the number of sufferers, especially blacks, keeps growing."

"While there are about 40 000 chronic renal failure patients, the country has about 3000 dialysis slots in both private and public hospitals. This means some patients get sent home to die and others, like those in Mpumalanga, have to travel over 400km to a dialysis machine in Gauteng. Clearly, kidney donations would alleviate the problem and keep many from dying. "

Special Assignment, The Gift of Life, will be broadcasted tomorrow (20 February 2007) on SABC 3 at 21:30.

See also the story of Lorraine, who received a kidney last December.

Special Assignment
Organ Donor Foundation

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# posted by Pieter Ernst Jr @ 06:03

 

16 February 2007

 

Ellis returns to Marang House after nearly having a stroke
 

Ellis was rushed to the hospital last week as she fainted and lost consciousness. She apparently nearly had a stroke and as a result of this Ellis was blind for two days. Thankfully she is doing well again. I was very happy to see her back at Marang House today. As always, she had a lovely smile on her face and was playing with her dolls.

Sometimes when people come and visit Marang House they wonder if these children are really that sick, as they see them in a home-environment playing and being happy. Those people I always tell that I might have to phone them the following day as these kids, despite the fact that they may appear healthy, are indeed at the stage that their illness is life-threatening and can literally die.

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# posted by Pieter Ernst Jr @ 05:35 0 Comments

 

02 February 2007

 

Gift's longtime dream becomes reality
 

Gift (12) always dreamed of flying in an aeroplane and his 'Big Sister' Kerry Davis fulfilled that longtime wish by taking him on a trip to Durban for his birthday. The trip was really a dream come true for Gift and the highlight of the day was speaking to the pilot, as Gift wants to become a pilot when he grows up. Kerry and Gift spend the day in Durban visiting the beach and uShaka Marine World.

Gift suffers from chronic diabetes and stays at Marang House to learn how to control his sugar levels and live with his disease. It is great to see how much of a positive influence 'Big Sister' Kerry has on Gift. Apart from taking him on trips, Kerry helps Gift with his homework and is great role model.

Ever since Marang House signed a partnership agreement with the amazing Big Brothers Big Sisters SA organization last year, most of our children have been matched up with a dedicated volunteer who agrees to spend at least one hour a week with a child for a minimum period of one year. Visit the BBBSSA website for more information on how to volunteer your time and become a Big Brother or a Big Sister to a child in need.

Update: Gift's surprise trip even made it into the local newspaper!

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# posted by Pieter Ernst Jr @ 05:25 0 Comments