Melbourne-based organisation ‘Enosi’ is holding a fundraiser in March for an 8-year-old child in need of continuous medical support and in preparation for upcoming surgery.
Mariah was born premature and with development problems making her vulnerable to disease.
“At 10 days old, Mariah picked up an E. coli superbug via her IV drip, which gave her a bleed on a part of the brain, developing Dystonic Cerebral Palsy,” an excerpt from her story shared by her mother reads.
Following a complete loss of hearing, Maria relies on one cochlear implant on the left ear, while three years ago she braved her first major surgery to allow for enteral tube feeding.
After spending two weeks in the ICU, and dropping to just above 7kgs, Mariah had another surgery which saved her life at the time.
But struggles followed with the 8-year-old contracting COVID in 2021 and having to spend five weeks hospitalised, while a kidney stone removal she had to undergo caused her post-surgery illness.
Throughout challenging times, Mariah has “tied her family together in strength and hope”, say the organisers of the fundraiser.
“These days they are focused on therapy, healing Mariah and ensuring she is happy in her world; and to find joy in hers.”
With an upcoming surgery on her legs in 2023 and pending needs for new mobility equipment and adjustments in her home to ensure accessibility, Enosi Association is addressing a call-out to all who can help give Mariah and her family hope for the future.
Running Enosi as a non-profit, the organisation members state they are dedicated to supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families “with integrity, listen with compassion and uplift with dignity.”
“We are a group of close friends who have a strong passion for our community and a share in a common vision […] lending a hand to to those in their time of greatest need.”
One of Enosi’s commitments is donating 100% of the funds raised through events to the family in need.
The ‘Hope for Mariah’ fundraiser will take place on Saturday 4 March at Starts International Reception, 1C Bell Street Preston VIC 3072.
With Con Laz in the role of MC, the live entertainment line-up includes music by DJ Dion, Levendes band and Spasta band, and performances by the MANASIS school of dance, Peter Triantis as ‘ELVIS TO THE T’, with a children’s entertainment show also promised.
Tickets inclusive of a five course meal, drinks and entertainment cost $120 for adults and $45 for children under 12.
Visit www.enosi.com.au for bookings, donations and sponsorships or call one of the Enosi Committee members listed below:
Arthur Minas: 0434 093 700, Tina Minas: 0413 092 769 , Areti Petalouthitsa: 0427 900 323 , Effie Leventis: 0419 589 807, Antonia Gian: 0455 511 268, Mish Bratsos:0452 400 971