A Mitchells Plain woman says she has been given a new lease on life after a kind Strandfontein resident donated a life-changing machine to her.
Samantha Harris from Tafelsig has been at home since February, as she battles with a serious heart condition. The 37-year-old has difficulty breathing and also struggles with sleep apnoea.
She had been planning to host a three-course lunch to raise funds for a R20 000 ventilator.
“After my story was published in the Daily Voice I got a call from a reader who said he had the machine I need and he was not using it,” said Samantha.
The machine was delivered to her home on Sunday, the day she was hosting her fundraising event.
“I was ecstatic, I cried and my children laughed at me. It would have taken years for me to raise the money as I am unemployed at the moment.”
Malcolm Petersen, 64, who donated the machine said he suffers from the same condition and he had upgraded his machine.
“It is not exactly the one she wanted, it is an older version but it will definitely improve her life,” he said.
“I saw the article and decided to give her a call because I know how expensive it is and it would take long to get it.”
Samantha now needs to get the machine to a specialist who will adjust it according to her needs.
“I must get the correct air pressure and mask. We raised over R3 000 during the event and I would like to thank Shoprite Symphony Walk in Mitchells Plain for their kind donations and everyone who donated to our fundraiser.
“Without the Daily Voice I would not have the machine. Thank you to the Voice for running my story.”
velani.ludidi@inl.co.za