In memory of Miya: the Govenders’ mission to help sick babies

AFTER the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Therosha and Eren Govender founded the MEG Foundation to support families in need of medical assistance for their sick children.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

The MEG Foundation (NPO) assists babies who are in urgent need of basic health care, where their parents are unable to provide for them.

Therosha Govender, 38, a teacher, said the foundation was started to tell the history of their daughter's condition.

“The MEG Foundation was established in memory of our precious baby girl, Miya Emma Govender. Miya was born with a rare genetic condition that had neurological implications, impairing her ability to effectively breathe without the assistance of a trachea tube. Asa result, Miya required 24/7 monitoring and care.

“Our angel faced many challenges.

“As parents, it was gut-wrenching and often unbearable to witness. We were faced with the heartache of Miya’s condition and the huge cost of her treatment, but through some angels, our burden was made a little lighter.

“We were able to focus all our attention on our baby girl. We will forever be grateful to those individuals,” Govender said.

Sadly, Miya passed away on November 23 last year.