Introduction
In life, we often stumble upon extraordinary moments that change us forever. My encounter with Tiana-Leigh was one such moment—a meeting that opened my eyes to the remarkable strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
How it all started
It all started with a simple act of kindness. Determined to make a difference, I decided to purchase feminine hygiene products for underprivileged girls. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to Tiana-Leigh’s doorstep, where I would witness a story of courage and unwavering faith.
After filling my car with all these feminine hygiene products, I had no idea where to go with it. I never thought it all the way through. What I did realize was that I was not going to be able to hand out sanitary products to random girls on the street. It wouldn’t work. So I called around and that’s when I met Maria, Tiana-Leigh’s sister. Who in turn connected me to her mother, Alta. We arranged via telephone and I was going to drop off the products at their place.
As I arrived at Tiana-Leigh’s home, I was greeted by the sight of numerous oxygen tanks—a startling indication of the challenges she faced daily. Confusion quickly turned to empathy as I learned more about her situation from her mother. Tiana-Leigh, a young girl with a radiant smile, was confined to a life tethered to machines due to a rare and life-threatening disease.
Listening to her mother recount the struggles they endured to keep Tiana-Leigh alive was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Tiana-Leigh requires oxygen 24/7, with her mother tirelessly managing a generator during power outages to ensure the life-saving equipment never falters. The fragility of life hung heavy in the air, yet amidst it all, Tiana-Leigh exuded a spirit of resilience and hope.
To me, as someone who uses their lungs for medication, recreation and as we all do, automatically. It just crushed me sitting there being someone that doesn’t even have to think about breathing and here this young lady has to think about it. I mean, as bong smokers. We even tend to ‘warm up’ our lungs with some breathing exercises before we smoke a fat one.
Tiana-Leigh has had serious challenges
Tiana-Leigh’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born with a breathing problem that necessitated emergency medical intervention at just three weeks old, she was diagnosed with a rare disease that defied conventional treatment. Despite the odds stacked against her, Tiana-Leigh continued to fight, enduring multiple surgeries and medical procedures throughout her young life.
In 2012, at the age of six, Tiana-Leigh underwent a groundbreaking double lung lavage procedure using ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), which significantly improved her quality of life for a time. However, her battle was far from over. In 2014, she was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, another devastating blow that left her with a grim prognosis of just eight months.
Yet, Tiana-Leigh’s spirit remained unbroken. She defied expectations and underwent another double lung lavage, albeit with a much longer recovery period filled with complications. Despite facing setbacks, including narrowed airways that required laser surgery, Tiana-Leigh emerged with an unwavering determination to live her life to the fullest.
My Hero
What struck me most about Tiana-Leigh was not just her resilience but also her selflessness. Despite her struggles, she embarked on a mission called “BluJeanz,” where she repurposes recycled jeans into fashionable items to raise funds for her medical needs. Her creativity and drive serve as a testament to her indomitable spirit. Since she has started many cool ventures. Her love for life and willingness to embrace it all is so pure. She is one of a kind.
Tiana-Leigh’s story is a beacon of hope, but it is also a call to action. As I stood in her home, overwhelmed by the enormity of her challenges, I knew that her story deserved to be heard far and wide. By sharing her journey, I hope to inspire others to join the cause, to extend a helping hand to Tiana-Leigh and others like her who face rare and life-threatening diseases.
Together, we can make a difference. Whether through donations, spreading awareness, or simply offering words of encouragement, every gesture counts. Tiana-Leigh’s journey teaches us that hope is a powerful force—one that can defy the darkest of circumstances and illuminate the path forward.
Let us rally behind Tiana-Leigh, a beacon of light in the face of adversity, and let her story inspire us to embrace compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit.
Here are some essentials about Tiana-Leigh and how you can help. Links to her story and foundation can be found throughout the article.
♡ Petrol for the generator and car should Tiana need to go for appointments
♡ Tiana’s medical aid which is vitally important R4782/month
♡ Electricity to keep her life support equipment running. These are the oxygen concentrator and the BiPAP machine which help her breathe easier and allow her heart to rest at night. Tiana can only be without oxygen for a few seconds.
Meter number 09000519158
♡ Refills on her oxygen cylinders (R187.36/cylinder). These are used when Tiana does her walking, nebulising etc.
♡ Supplements and fresh vegetables to help her gain much-needed weight. Tiana has gained 4kg and remains 19kg underweight.
Tiana Leigh Lung Foundation
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Lynwoodrif
Branch Code: 051001
Account Number: 411 207 008
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
POP: pikkie@jarkie.co.za
Tiana Medical
Bank: Capitec
Account Number: 216 911 6776
Branch Code: 470010
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