Rachel's Wishes, Tricia Survé Foundation helps uplift mothers of premature babies to mark World Prematurity Day

In an era of viral social media content displaying lavish baby showers, it can be easy to overlook the real-life stakes for those who are not as fortunate. However, a recent charitable donation by Rachel’s Wishes, in partnership with the Tricia Survé Foundation and Tiny Owls, sought to uplift the lives of mothers with premature babies, amid World Prematurity Day.

The challenges faced by parents with premature babies were put front and centre this week, thanks to the donations generously given to mothers at both Paarl Provincial Hospital and New Somerset Hospital.

The idea for World Prematurity Day came from parents who welcomed a healthy baby after losing triplets to a preterm birth. According to the World Health Organisation, one in 10 babies are born prematurely.

During an event at New Somerset Hospital on Wednesday, a nurse at the hospital, Sister Matthews, explained that the theme for this year is “Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future”.

“This year’s message calls for urgent action to improve the health and well-being of preterm babies from the very beginning. A strong start in life helps these babies grow, thrive and reach their full potential. It is not only the right thing to do - it is also a smart investment in healthier and stronger societies.”

Founder of Rachel’s Wishes, Christine Adcock, explained that her daughter was born in 1993, but sadly passed away in 1996, and that “the trauma can either destroy you or you do something with it”.

“I felt that we needed to do something positive as a legacy to remember her, and that's how Rachel's Wishes was formed. We support children, and over the years, we've grown. We’ve probably impacted the lives of about 28,000 children to date, and raised R1.8 million in various fundraising events.”

Adcock explained that they are fortunate to have beautiful sponsors and beautiful donors, such as the Tricia Survé Foundation, which helps facilitate their work.

“We pack the bags (that we donate) and then we reach out to the various communities in need. We don't just service hospitals, we serve day hospitals, and we go into townships - whether it's feeding or clothing. I'm on board to do it.

Speaking of seeing the impact of her work, Adcock said, “I just think that my daughter would be happy”.

“Although she's not with me, these mothers have got a good start in their lives… What we give is not going to last forever, but it's a start, and hopefully they'll learn from that to walk forward. I get very emotional because I remember my own daughter, but I'm able to remember her with a bit of a smile on my face.”

Magnolia Pretorius, 26, gave birth earlier in the month, said that the donation has made a difference as they all go through a lot, and that it is important to help each other through this journey.

“I just want to tell everyone who could end up having a premature baby, it's not easy, but you must just believe in God and stay positive. That's the only thing you can do.

“I wasn't expecting this, you know? When you're lying here, I was feeling like I'm losing myself, you understand? I'm feeling like I'm not good enough anymore. I can't go out and make myself look nice. You don't care what you look like because all of the time and effort you just put into your baby, so now these people come here and just gift this for us… I can't express how much this means to me, really, because it means a lot,” Pretorius said.

“I was calling those ladies and telling them, thank you, big, big thanks, because really this is, this is showing me that I’m being seen.”

Mothers at Paarl Hospital, Elizabeth Fransman and Deneline de Lille, said that they were happy and thankful that their babies got clothes, blankets, hygiene products and that they got presents. They said that the items they received were pretty.

“It’s very nice things that the babies have gotten, and that we have gotten,” Fransman said.

De Lille added, “I am thankful that my child got these things, as there are others who don’t get these things.”

Tricia Survé said that the project has been very close to her heart as her son was also a premature baby.

“The stress and emotional strain that these mothers go through is exhausting and difficult. Our goal is to recognise their struggle and bravery through celebrating with them and bringing awareness.”

Marketing manager for Tiny Owls Baby Home, Juan Beukes, said that they care for vulnerable and abandoned babies, and that they partnered with Adcock after they had an excess of donations.

“It is nice to be involved in the groundwork. It has just been an absolute privilege to pay it forward and work with both Tricia and Rachel’s Wishes on these campaigns.

“We are humbled and privileged to be involved.”

Those wanting to assist the aforementioned organisations can contact [email protected] or [email protected] and also visit https://tinyowls.org.za/contact/.

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