Young woman gets 'new legs' for her 30th birthday
Miki Jovanovic's wish for her 30th birthday is two legs to support her active, independent life.
Miki Jovanovic from Pretoria is described by those who know her as "a remarkable 29-year-old athlete and advocate."
Miki was born with a condition called congenital bilateral fibular hemimelia, which means that the lower parts of her legs did not form properly.
Her legs were amputated below the knee when she was just over a year old, and since the age of three, Miki has used prosthetics to increase her mobility.
"Throughout my life, I've been blessed with amazing doctors and the most supportive mom, who always found a way to ensure that I could walk. Now, as I approach 30, my needs are changing. I require more permanent prosthetics that can carry me into the next chapter of my life."
Miki’s mom is a tattoo artist and has been a single mother since Miki was three.
"Every step counts" is Miki’s life philosophy, and that is why she has always been as active as possible. She attended a mainstream school, drives a standard car, does wall climbing, goes on hikes, and has been an amateur boxer for the past seven years.
Miki's current prostheses have reached the end of their functional lifespan, which is not only a matter of discomfort but also a significant safety risk that threatens her independence.
To maintain her dynamic lifestyle and professional commitments, Miki requires a specialised prosthetic system, priced at R250 000.
This is an amount she cannot raise on her own, which is why she started a crowdfunding page to hopefully reach this goal by the end of the year.
"I am turning 30 on 26 March, so this is my goal for the year I turn 30."
Miki has already received tremendous support, and her fund currently stands at R158 000.
She now needs another R96 000 to reach her goal.
And as a bonus, she will be able to wear a pair of heels for the first time in her life.
REQUEST FOR: Miki Jovanovic
REQUEST FROM: Susann Rojas
ANGEL: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
SPONSORING: The Good Morning Angels Fund will assist Miki with her fundraising efforts for proper prosthetic limbs, contributing R50 000 per limb.
That is the full R100 000 she still needs to achieve her 30th birthday challenge.
ORIGINAL REQUEST:
Hallo,
Miki is my sister’s daughter.
She is from Pretoria.
Yes, she is Afrikaans, regardless of her name.
Please read her post. She is on Facebook under Miki Jovanovic. She needs help, as her post explains.
She is a very strong woman and has never once said that she cannot do something. She drives a standard vehicle, she works, she gyms, she boxes, and so much more.
This is the first time in her life that she has ever asked for help. She studied in Namibia for six years and worked as an au pair.
Could you perhaps do an interview with her, not only to help her raise funds, but also to tell the story of a dynamic woman with a disability who has succeeded through hard work?
Her story could help so many people who think there is no hope or life after loss or amputation.
We all need a feel-good story, especially with everything that is currently happening in the world.
In doing so, it could also help her.
You can contact her via her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DdAgbR1GJ/
Thank you very much,
Susann Rojas (née Grobler)
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Image: Jacaranda FM