What was meant to be a simple beauty appointment became a moment of deep compassion when Rachel Kolisi, media personality and former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, visited a Cape Town nail bar.
Rachel’s appointment at BOA Beauty Bar introduced her to Letwin, a mother of three, whose youngest daughter, only five years old, has been battling liver failure.
A heartbreaking story shared
Rachel noticed her nail technician’s short nails and learned that Letwin kept them that way to avoid biting them from stress. The stress is real. Despite fundraising efforts, Letwin’s daughter has not been placed on a transplant list. The R20 000 raised was spent on blood transfusions and travel expenses, leaving the family without enough for further care.
For years, Letwin has devoted herself to her child, who can only sleep upright on her mother’s chest. The sacrifices of this mom touched Rachel so deeply that she shared the story on Instagram, admitting she wished she could wave a magic wand to ease the family’s burden.
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From awareness to action
Rachel’s post moved many of her followers. People responded with messages of love, offers to help, and even prayers for the family. Some asked about additional fundraising opportunities, while others simply wanted to know which salon Letwin worked at so they could visit her in person.
Rachel also revealed that with the help of generous supporters, she managed to secure a helicopter ride for Letwin and her children, making one of her dreams come true. This special outing joined other memory-making moments the family had enjoyed, like trips to Table Mountain and the aquarium.
A reminder of perspective
Rachel wrote that the encounter gave her perspective on gratitude and the divides that exist in South Africa. Her heartfelt words resonated with many, reminding readers that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen and lend a helping hand.
Letwin’s story is still ongoing, but thanks to this act of kindness and the wider community’s response, her family has been given moments of joy during a time of hardship.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Mzansi Extreme
