A Capetonian suffering from myasthenia gravis received a random act of kindness to help her during the good and bad times.
A simple act of kindness can change someones day… and this one made someones year!
Dyanne Thomas is a young South African who suffers from a rare autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis, a more common autoimmune disease called sjögrens syndrome, as well as another chronic disease fibromyalgia.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The name myasthenia gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, means “grave, or serious, muscle weakness.”
The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often (but not always) involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.
There is no known cure but with current therapies most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as “grave” as the name implies. Available treatments can control symptoms and often allow people to have a relatively high quality of life. Most individuals with the condition have a normal life expectancy.
Dyanne received a random act of kindness to help her during tough medical procedures.
“I am quite speechless. This morning I received the most amazing and lovingly made care package from a 5th grader, Meira Wosk, at the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School in Cape Town”
The care package contained sweets, stress balls, a fidget spinner and most importantly handwritten notes and envelopes to open when ever Dyanne needs a little pick me up. The letters have all been marked with instructions to only open on certain occasions.
Dyanne is still not aware as to who nominated her, but she is so incredibly thankful for the act of kindness.
“Never have I experienced such a selfless kindness from a stranger. My heart is glowing.”
“I phoned the school and found out that they have a charity called KMAD Kids Making a Difference and that Meira did this for the charity.”
The KMAD foundation was created to give kids the platform to make a difference and it’s small acts of kindness like this that do just that.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Meira – I will never forget this kindness.”
In celebration of Mandela Day this year, Rare Diseases South Africa used their platform to harness the opportunity of timing, and encouraged their members to participate in an “Open me when” letter initiative, which will give love, encouragement and support to our vulnerable community when most needed.
The concept was simple – write a letter, or create a small care package for any 6 or 7 of the listed ‘situations’ which rare disease patients may encounter and for which your letter and words of strength and motivation will make an enormous difference.
Rare Diseases South Africa provided the name, age and short biography on the patients for whom the letters/packages will be sent.
by 
This is an amazing idea from Rare Diseases SA – their Mandela Day “Open Me When…” Initiative! We are so glad to hear how much Dyanne appreciated her little gift x