Since joining the Bella’s Blessings family in July last year, Izzy –a brave girl facing profound health challenges– has shown us that ‘complex needs’ are just one part of a much bigger, much more beautiful story of resilience.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 April 2026) – When a little girl named Izzy came into the care of Bella’s Blessings through the foster system on 9 July 2025, she immediately became a central part of the home and its mission.
Her delicate little life represents exactly why Bella’s Blessings exists: to stand in the gap for children with complex needs who require not only love, but intensive and specialised care
“From the moment we met her, it was clear she was incredibly vulnerable and in urgent need of a safe, loving, and medically supported environment,” Founder of Bella’s Blessings, Lauren Matthewson-Woolard, tells us.
Now two years old, Izzy is a resilient girl living with profound and complex disabilities, Lauren explains. She has cerebral palsy, caused by damage to her developing brain, which affects her movement, posture, and muscle coordination. She is also deaf and has been diagnosed with cortical visual impairment (CVI), meaning her brain has difficulty processing visual information.
Izzy has undergone surgery to insert a PEG feeding tube, allowing her to receive nutrition directly into her stomach. She is medically fragile and requires ongoing, specialised care, monitoring, and intervention.
“She is currently in hospital awaiting a Nissen procedure – a major surgery that will help prevent severe reflux and aspiration, which are significant risks for her and can be life-threatening.”
A Daily Life of Constant Care
Daily life revolves entirely around Izzy’s care. It includes managing her PEG feeding, carefully positioning her to reduce risks like aspiration, and supporting her sensory and developmental needs linked to cerebral palsy and CVI.
Her condition means she experiences the world differently, requiring patience, specialised interaction, and constant awareness of her comfort and safety. She has recently been placed on continuous feeds, which are critical for her stability. However, this comes with significant financial implications.
“The feeding pump alone is estimated at approximately R25,000, with monthly feeding packs costing around R31,000, excluding the specialised formula she also requires. We also purchase specially adapted clothing to ensure her comfort and to safely accommodate her feeding tube.”
Izzy requires constant, hands-on care. A full-time carer, cameras to monitor her round the clock and a suitable vehicle to accommodate her wheelchair are needs that would help significantly with these daily challenges.
“Hospital has become a second home, and life is dictated by her condition. The emotional toll is immense, and the financial pressure of sustaining this level of care is overwhelming,” Lauren says.
A Bravery that Inspires
Izzy is extraordinary. Despite everything her little body has endured, she continues to fight every single day.
“She has a quiet but powerful resilience. She responds in her own way, shows moments of connection, and continues to push through challenges that would overwhelm most.”
Just a few months after arriving at the home in September, her baby sister also joined, at only a few days old.
“One of the most beautiful and unforgettable moments was introducing the two of them to each other – a quiet, powerful reminder of what family, love, and belonging truly look like.”
Another one of Izzy’s most special moments was her birthday celebration in the hospital. Despite everything she was facing, Lauren and her team were able to create a moment of joy for her.
“She sat quietly, completely captivated by her birthday cake, just taking it all in. It was such a simple moment, but incredibly powerful for a little girl who deserves celebration, love, and joy, even in the middle of uncertainty.”
The Fight for Izzy Continues
Izzy’s story is one of survival, resilience, and hope, but behind that hope is a very real and urgent need for support. Her care comes with immense and ongoing costs, and Bella’s Blessings is under urgent pressure to meet her needs.
Support is needed for:
- A feeding pump (± R25 000)
- Monthly feeding packs (± R31 000, excluding formula)
- Ongoing medical equipment and supplies
- Specialised clothing for her care
- Monitoring cameras for her safety
- A full-time carer (day and night)
- Hospital costs, transport, and ongoing treatment
- A suitable vehicle (people mover) that can transport Izzy, her wheelchair, and additional passengers
“Izzy has changed us completely. She has taught us what true courage looks like. On the hardest days, when we feel like we have nothing left, she reminds us why we keep going. She is the reason we don’t give up,” Laurens shares.
Beyond Izzy, Bella’s Blessings supports multiple vulnerable children, many of whom have complex medical and developmental needs. The charity is therefore in desperate need of consistent, regular monthly donations to sustain the home and continue providing this level of care.
Izzy’s fight is far from over – and neither is the need. Behind every moment of progress is a system of care that must be sustained every single day. To support her journey, connect with Bella’s Blessings on Facebook, email info@bellasblessings.co.za or donate to the banking details below, or the crowdfund here.
- FNB Gold Account
- K2024345413 NPC t/a Bella’s Blessings
- Account Number: 63163887707
- Reference: Izzy
Sources: Lauren Matthewson-Woolard
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