Girl Living With Rare Genetic Disorder Fulfills Her Wish of Meeting President of South Africa
17-year-old Ontlametse Phalatse, is one of two South African girls living with the rare genetic disorder progeria, that makes the affected persons age faster than normal.
Phalatse wanted to meet with the president for her birthday as part of her bucket list of wishes before she died. That wish came true as she met with the president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma on Thursday in his home.
Phalatse will turn 18 this weekend, despite being told by doctors that she will not live to the age of 14 because of her illness.
“It is just an honour to be here, I am truly blessed, I am out of words. I was so nervous I even posted on Instagram that I don’t know what to say, but he is a lovely person and easy to communicate with.” She said to News24
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has agreed to help meet some of Phalatse’s wishes by combining their forces with the Ontlametse Phalatse Trust, one of which is to own a home.
“The foundation working with the trust will certainly ensure that that is a priority, We think that the Department of Human Settlements can do something as a special case or Social Development as well. She also dreams of having her own transport. At times she has to go to Johannesburg for medical attention, and they have to make use of public transport” said the President
He promised that his foundation would priorities the girls request request.
Awwwwww so sweet of him to meet her and try to fulfill her other wishes. Happy 18th birthday to her.
nice
Wow……this is a great one for her.