Meet Stacey Antonio.
Her full name is Anastacia, which when translated from Greek means “resurrection”. She is ten years old and lives with her mom, Angelina, in Cape Town. In January she was running when she suddenly experienced severe pain in her leg. The pain persisted and she was taken to a doctor, X-rays were done and treatment was initiated. However, when the situation did not improve towards the end of January, Stacey was admitted to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital with pain in her legs. A biopsy revealed Osteosarcoma in both legs, devastating news, a rare and very aggressive form of cancer.
She was however very fortunate to be attended to by two well-known and experienced Professors. More aggressive treatment commenced followed by more tests and scans. Sadly by late April, cancer had spread.
The Red Cross Children’s Hospital then approached the Reach For A Dream Foundation. Just imagine the vast array of possibilities that a young girl could wish for. Stacey even turned down very scarce tickets to the Justin Bieber concert in Cape Town.
By now Stacey needs a wheelchair to get around, her bones are very fragile and one of her legs is in a removable cast.
She had two dreams which they were working towards before being hospitalised. One was to go with her mom to the Jehovah Witness’s Head Office in Krugersdorp known as Bethel, which means “House of God”. This would be her first visit. Next Stacey wanted to begin the baptism process. Her dreams were put together beginning with a ticket on SAA to Johannesburg. Stacey had a good flight and thanked all those who helped her from the airplane crew to the airport assistants and clinic staff. She and her mom were met by a Netcare 911 ambulance crew and after being made comfortable were transported carefully to Krugersdorp. A jovial crowd of around 40 people were waiting for them at the Visitors Centre singing different songs. Stacey then got to choose her favourite song and everyone sang it with her. The welcome was followed by some rest time and then the first of a number of tours of parts of the premises.
Stacey and Angelina were to spend four nights at Bethel and were given a private guest room which was cheerfully decorated for their visit. Their time was divided up into various activities for the mornings and afternoons with adequate rest time. As she moved around the facility she was warmly welcomed by the staff of each department. Included in one of the day’s activities, by Stacey’s request, was a display by the on-site Fire and Rescue service.
The main part of her wish was also initiated as she commenced the qualification procedure for her baptism. She progressed well and her process was completed this past Tuesday. The baptism is planned in Cape Town at a convention on Saturday 03 June 2017.
When the day came for her to leave, another large group gathered to say goodbye and wished her well. All present commented on how the little girl had touched their lives and they were very impressed by her faith, maturity and resolute courage.
Once again Netcare 911 had the privilege of ensuring her safety and comfort on the way to the airport where she was met by a team of people to take over her care.
Stacey’s visit to Johannesburg occurred at the end of last week. It was wonderful to meet and assist in her dream request and we wish her all the very best in the fulfilment of her dream on Saturday.
Netcare 911 assists with Stacey’s “Reach For A Dream” wish https://t.co/RZXVgI02E8 #ArriveAlive @Netcare911_sa pic.twitter.com/lOHzi8k3Qn
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 1, 2017