Umtamvuna Views: Ella needs stem cell treatment in India – South Coast Herald

Sunday lunch at the Umtamvuna River Lodge was a lovely family affair for Ryan (left), Kyle (3) and Ezette Hood of Port Edward.

GABRIELLA Dry (4) of Port Edward was born prematurely at only 29 weeks. After 75 days in NICU and a few complications she was left with neurological damage.

At a year she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Ellas life has been full of challenges, but it never stops her smiling and living life to the fullest.

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At the moment Ella and her mom Nicole are in Johannesburg for grommet surgery, blood tests and intensive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Parents Kevin and Nicole of the Umtamvuna River Lodge are trying to raise funds to get Gabriella to India for stem cell treatment as this form of therapy has proven hugely beneficial with this type of cerebral palsy.

Digger succumbs

Well-respected local Digger (Digby) Elliott of Leisure Bay (77) died from heart failure at the Port Shepstone Regional Hospital on May 26. He underwent surgery for a collapsed lung in October last year and never fully recovered.

Little Gabriella Dry (4) with mom Nicole at her birthday party held at the Umtamvuna River Lodge. The family are urgently trying to raise funds to get Gabriella to India for stem cell treatment.

After suffering from emphysema for many years. Digger, who ran a steel engineering business from his home, relocated his family to the South Coast from Johannesburg thirty years ago.

His memorial service was held at the Port Edward Methodist Church last Friday and was well attended. He leaves his wife Margie and two children.

Fun family day

Winter Wonderland can be enjoyed at the Mac Banana Estate on Saturday, June 17, from 2 to 6pm. Shops are offering super specials and goodie bags and it promises to be a fun afternoon for the whole family. Pop along to Mac Banana and enjoy the experience.

Double trouble

Two long-standing residents shared a birthday on June 2. Maggie Abbott and Jeannette Offer were born on the same day some years apart. Jeannette celebrated with a great social get-together and gathering of the grans at The Cow Shed Coffee Shop last Saturday.

Is this the year

Aloes along the coastal strip are in full bloom and according to some surfing friends, the water temperature is pretty low so where are the sardines?

Local musician Billy the Skit (right) entertained golfers at the 2017 Wild Coast Sun Classic recently and was particularly delighted to meet Tellytracks Man from Durban Deez Dayanand. The congenial and likeable Deez is the public face of KZN horse-racing and the blood, sweat and tears behind the ever popular Charity Turf Challenge.

In spite of not having the little silver fish visit our shores in many years, the dream lives on! The buzz is still around the greatest shoal on earth and human nature is such that we continue to live in hope! Maybe it is this year? All news to Philippa.

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Umtamvuna Views: Ella needs stem cell treatment in India - South Coast Herald