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Every girl has a role model who she looks up to and hopes to one day meet. For many it's a Disney princess or a famous pop star. For one young girl, her hero is local model Shashi Naidoo.
Fourteen-year-old Lekiesha is a "HUGE HUGE FAN" of our Shashi and hoped to meet her one day. Her mom sent the star a letter telling of Lekisha's ill health and dream to one day be a paediatrician and make-up artist.
"She just loves make-up and loves to smell nice. When we go out she makes sure that I have to take out my expensive perfumes so that she can smell nice especially Chanel No5," the mom wrote. "Unfortunately she has various medical conditions. She underwent a Heart Op in 2007. In 2009 she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and in 2010 she underwent a major spine operation. Two years later she underwent operations on both her feet. And in October 2013 she was diagnosed with Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure."
Her condition has meant poor Lekiesha can't attend school "like a normal person" because she is connected to tubing 24/7 and moves around in a wheel chair.
"Out of her 5 wishes number one is to meet you one day. I'm sure that meeting you would be the best experience for her in her young age and difficult circumstance. Thank You and God Bless."
Lekiesha got her wish. Shashi took her out yesterday to a salon to get her nails and make-up done.
"It's not often that you are given the opportunity to feel a sense of wonder and purpose in life . This letter touched my heart." says Shashi, "I engaged the help of @penelopesehemo (Sorbet salon owner) who sponsored deluxe manicures and pedicures for mother and daughter & @gi_myers (South Africa's best make-up artist) who painted Lekeisha's face happy. Together we did more"
Posting pictures of the day on social media, Shashi reflected on the feelings of doing good for others. "What I realized is that not much will come close to Anisa's unwavering love and loyalty to her daughter but by asking myself and challenging my peers to #HowDoYouDoMore... We made a real change in the life of one person for one day. And it felt great!!!"
Someone grab us a tissue, because we just got all teary eyed!
