Cape Town - The suffering that comes with poverty doesn’t stop over Christmas, as Heideveld mother of two, Carmen November, is starkly reminded as she battles hunger pangs and depression worrying about what her children will eat later.
The 42-year-old’s life took a turn for the worst after her husband left in 2019, leaving her to care for two sick children without any support.
Earlier this year, her four-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer.
Her 11-year-old also battles mental illness so November has to care for both children full time, pushing her to the brink of giving up on life, she said.
A distraught November said: “My struggle is real. The cancer has resulted in my son being unable to see at times. Then he falls, so I have to keep a close eye on him all the time. He still has more operations ahead.
“My daughter is 11. There was an incident at school last year where teachers found her unconscious in the toilet. She hasn't been the same since, she suffers from memory loss. She’s on several tablets and has to see the doctor three to four times a month.
“I have to ensure that we eat every day, I take on domestic work here and there and take the children with me. There are times when I go to bed without food for days and nights. I just keep praying that I will keep my faith. I cannot give up, because I have children I have to look after.”
Hope for the Future NPO founder, Vanessa Nelson, who tries her best to assist where she can, said November had been struggling for a long time.
“She basically has to beg for her children to eat at night and its draining her. She wants to work, but work is hard to find and, in any case, she has to be in and out of hospital for both children so it’s a challenge.
“There are many times she doesn’t eat so that her children can. After Christmas there’s school clothes and stationery.
“My appeal is just for anyone who can, to please look into their hearts to help. Let’s bring them some cheer, for Christmas and beyond, through any support you can offer just to make things a little easier.”
To assist, contact Nelson on 076 073 6777.
Cape Times