A family who lost their one year old daughter have created a lasting legacy to honour her life!
Waldo and Yolandi van Wyk have decided to keep their daughter’s legacy alive by raising not only awareness for people with rare diseases but to also raise funds in assisting where they possibly can.
Tatum Dakota van Wyk was born with two very rare diseases called Miller Dieker Syndrome & Trisomy18 but instead of the family explaining what exactly that means, they encourage friends and family to Google the terms… that way educating each other about the conditions.
This is part of their cause.
Tatum fought a really long and hard battle and passed away peacefully in their arms at home two days after her first birthday on 10 December 2017. Her fight humbly reminds them to have gratitude for their health and the privilege of being able to live.
Through Tatum’s incredible fight in 2017 they have met and come across an entire rare diseases community through the Rare Diseases SA organisation and they have come to learn that we all need to help where we possibly can.
“We decided to do this in honour and loving memory of our miracle baby Tatum Dakota van Wyk.
Tatum is dearly missed by many and the grieving process is no easy feat, but as her parents we decided to do right by her memory.”
Tatum’s Tribe is a registered NPC and managed by its three directors; Jason Mansfield, Waldo van Wyk (Tatum’s Dad) and Yolandi van Wyk (Tatum’s Mom).
Their first fundraiser started off with a bang as they had cyclists help raise awareness and cycle in Tatum’s Tribe kit during the 2018, 947 Telkom Cycle Challenge. They managed to get a big team together and got sponsors on board for their worthy cause.
“We wanted to do this differently, not only create awareness but to make a difference in the lives of others. We chose three recipients who each received R20 000 to help them with medical equipment, therapy sessions or however they see fit to utilise it.”
Their recipients; Tyron Mansfield, Amore de Wet and Calvin Swemmer will be able to use these funds to ease their lives financially, perhaps in a small aspect, but the family understand the financial implications of having a child with is less able-bodied.
“If we can ease the stress slightly for these parents, we are grateful.”
Let us always be kind, let us always help one another!”
They are already planning their next fundraiser and finding more recipients to help. Follow their facebook page for more updates.
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