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CHRISTIAN
NEWS |
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CHRISTIAN
NEWS |
THE LIFE OF MARILIE PIENAAR
The name Marilie Pienaar is fairly well known in Port Elizabeth because so many people got to know her during the 16 years she spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) of The Provincial Hospital.
During these 16 years many anxious and grieving relatives of the desperately ill fellow patients were drawn toward the bright eyed smiling and friendly youngster in the corner bed. The walls were typical of home, with pictures and photographs and music chasing away the gloom of the environment. She was also on a respirator like most of the others, and she was paralyzed from the neck to her toes ....... and yet she was a beam of sunshine to all around her. People were drawn to the Light that Marilie lavished freely on everyone that approached and they were encouraged and lifted to a level of hope and trust for their own loved ones.
Marilie has a type of motor nerve dystrophy that is a progressive weakening of the "doing" nerves to the point where the muscles are totally inactive, including the breathing muscles.
The life expectancy for babies and children with this type of condition is not good. Few would have guessed that Marilie could have survived beyond 4 years old. Yet by the grace of God, with excellent medical and nursing care, a portable ventilator and with the loving support of family and friends Marilie went home on 1 November 2000. This was a dream of many years fulfilled. To go to bed at home and to wake up every morning still at home.
Throughout her life Marilie has never stopped thinking of others and, as she approaches her 21st Birthday in August she is still thinking of others. She would like to celebrate her 21 birthday as a "Celebration of Life", and is planning a Concert with Gospel Singers Piet Smit and Danie Botha at The Word of Faith Church on Friday 05 August 2005 at 18h30. The evening promises to be a Celebration of Thanksgiving and Praise for Love, Life and Care.
The funds raised at this concert will be donated to The Reach for a Dream Foundation and Cheshire Homes. Both these organizations have played a big roll in Marilies life.
Tickets priced at R 30.00 for adults and R 20.00 for scholars and pensioners are available for the following outlets from 30 June 2005.
The Reach for a Dream Foundation - Newton Park - Tel 041 364-0991
Cheshire Homes - Summerstrand - Tel 041 583-2183
Gospel Direct - Walmer Park Shopping Centre
Trio Product and Gift Shop - Summerstrand Village
Klinicare Lorraine - Gardens Shopping Centre
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