Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Iminathi’s doll dream comes true
FROM birth, Iminathi Ngcokhwe, 6, has battled to live a normal life.
The Eastern Cape primary school pupil faced major medical struggles when she was diagnosed with a lifethreatening heart condition.
Recently, with the help of the Reach For A Dream Foundation and Toys R Us, Iminathi realised her childhood dream. She wanted to own “lots of dolls and toys”.
The bright-eyed youngster was whisked to a Toys R Us store, where she browsed the aisles and chose a heap of toys and dolls she wanted the most.
Her mother, Nyameka, who works at a local factory, said she was thrilled her daughter had been given such a generous gift. “We are so grateful to see my child happy. It made us happy, too, because she has been through so many challenges. I want to thank them for all they did for her,” she said.
Nyameka said that when she was pregnant, doctors had informed her that something was wrong.
“They told me that her heart was not in the right condition and doubted she would make it. I was devastated and so worried. I was so scared of losing her.”
However, Iminathi was born and taken home. “But then, about a month later, I noticed she cried often and her mouth turned grey in colour. That was when I rushed her to a clinic. They then referred me to Cecilia Makiwana hospital in Mdantsana, East London,” she said.
Iminathi was later transferred to the Red Cross War Hemorial Children’s Hospital when she was just 1 and she underwent surgery.
The Reach For A Dream Foundation visited Iminathi in hospital. They made every effort to turn her dream into a reality.
“She absolutely loves toys and dolls and when she was asked what she wanted, her immediate answer was “lots and lots of dolls and toys”.
Nyameka said her 6-year-old had integrated into her school and was enjoying Grade 1. “She is now recovered well and living a normal and happy life. She still goes to the local hospital every year for her check-ups.”
Reach For A Dream believes in the power of a dream and the organisation feels fortunate to have been able to fulfil Iminathi’s ultimate dream.
Lwanele Mpete, the foundation’s branch manager in East London, said: “We are extremely glad that we were able to inspire hope in her by creating an unforgettable day for her and her family. We would like to thank Toys
R Us for making Iminathi’s dream a magical one.”
Marketing manager of Toys R Us & Babies R Us, Nicole Annells, said: “Toys R Us is passionate about our kids and it gives us a great sense of joy to reach out to such a wonderful and deserving child and put a huge smile on her face,” she said.