There are no words that can be said to a parent who tragically loses a child, and although the grief never goes away, it takes a very special and kind-hearted family to turn its tragedy into something positive and to give back to the rest of the community.
The Sabrina Mangos Foundation; spirit of life, spirit of giving, was established in memory of an inspirational little girl, Sabrina, who loved to help others but is no longer with us. Its mission is to raise funds for other families affected by trauma.
“We were holidaying in New York during June and July of 2011, and on the last night of our trip, just after watching a Broadway show, we decided to meet with local relatives in New York for one last dinner celebration before we boarded our flight home to South Australia the next day,” explains Sabrina’s mum Valerie.
As they travelled to the restaurant, the family’s mini-van was struck by a Nissan Sentra sedan which ran a red light. The van flipped and pinned 10-year-old Sabrina underneath, resulting in her death minutes later, on 7 August 2011.
Sabrina was born on 28 November 2000 and was the third-born child and only daughter of Michael and Valerie. Her tragic death at age 10 had a significant effect on many members of the Greek and wider community in South Australia.
“We lost a healthy and happy little soul that had so much to give. She was a caring and smart little girl who loved to help others, and although it’s been very hard for us since, we have kept strong together as a family with the incredible support of the community,” says Ms Mangos.
This year’s ‘Buckle Up’ Gala Dinner – the foundation’s biggest function to date – will be held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday 28 November 2015 honouring Sabrina’s 15th birthday.
“The money we raise from the event will go towards the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Team Kids unit,” Ms Mangos explains.
Long-term, the family’s aim is to organise one big event every year so that the foundation can continue to grow at a steady pace.
Valerie knows that what happened to them that night was out of everyone’s control, but feels that her daughter’s death has already impacted on the lives of many other families.
“We never even had a chance to say goodbye to our little girl but if we can save another child then that’s enough for us,” says Ms Mangos, who believes that the only thing we can never replace in life is precious time with our children.
Valerie also lost her dad unexpectedly in the same year Sabrina was killed.
She seems to have come to terms with the fact that nobody can control their destiny.
“Life is beautiful but unfortunately we can’t always control the things that come our way.
“If I could give any advice to another human being, I would just tell them to love and accept everybody for who they are because we really aren’t here forever.”
She turns around and looks at her one-year-old son, Raphael, who is happily playing in the room.
“I never thought I would be blessed with another child. Raphael was due to be born on Sabrina’s birthday and he reminds me of her in so many ways.”
Just before she says goodbye, Valerie confesses that there is one ‘saying’ that she came across after losing Sabrina which provides her with strength and courage to face every day. An Orthodox priest in Adelaide was the one to publish what has now turned to be Valerie’s life motto:
“If life can remove someone you never dreamt of losing, it can replace them with someone you never dreamt of having.
“At the end of the day, everyone will fall, but we must all get up and keep going.”
For more information, visit www.sabrinamangosfoundation.org.au