Benecio arrived at Lambano Sanctuary, underweight with Lobar Holoprosencephaly and a cleft palate. He was in ICU for four days, reliant on oxygen. To help him receive the nutrition he desperately needed, through PEG feeding tube.Day by day, he grew stronger, regaining his beautiful smile.
Domingo was born underweight and diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.When Domingo arrived at Lambano Sanctuary, he was fragile requiring a PEG tube to be fed. Malnutrition affected his growth and ability to play. Now Domingo is breathing on his own, full of energy, and reunited with his mommy, daddy, and twin brother.
Khanyi suffered an electrical burn that left her tiny face scarred, her body fragile, and her spirit shaken. She couldn’t crawl or eat. Slowly, the transformation began. First, a flicker of movement.
Then, a newfound strength, and one day, she crawled an achievement that left her caregivers in awe!
Karabo has been with us since he was 2 years old. Karabo suffered retinal damage since birth however is now 21 years old now accepted at the Johannesburg Society For The blind, where he will receive the education and support necessary to enhance his brail, computer and literacy skills.
Keisha came to us as a baby. Grew up infront of our eyes, completed her matric and studied further. Today Keisha is both our daughter and colleague, an auxiliary social worker at Lambano Sanctuary. Serving both the families and patients whom enter our doors for medical and pyschosocial support.
Nkosinathi came to Lambano Sanctuary as a small baby, very ill through many months of battle, we managed to turn his health around but discovered he has Cerebral palsy. Nkosi does not allow his disability to define who he is. Nkosi, is deeply passionate about rugby, and so we have supported his journey on joining the wheelchair rugby club at Mandeville Sports Centre.
Ceo, Lyn Croote, is a qualified paramedic and critical care assistant. In the year 1995, she moved to Mali, West Africa, serving as a paramedic for Anglo-American, where she cared for over 3,500 construction workers in remote conditions. Returning to South Africa in 1997, she joined Worldwide Travel Medical Consultants, specializing in medical evacuations for patients with malaria and other severe illnesses. Then, in 2001, fate intervened. Lyn walked away from the security of a stable career to answer a higher calling to create Lambano. To become a mother, healer, and protector to children the world had forgotten.
Sister to Lyn Croote,
Vivian found her purpose, hidden in the everyday acts of kindness that built Lambano into what it is today. In the early days, Vivian's first task was transporting 15 little children to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital children whose names she didn’t even know yet. A Mother to 30 little children, mananging 30 school parent meetings, logistics, Dr's visits, therapy, playtime and paperwork. Vivian became the glue that held Lambano together.
In 2001, a simple conversation between two women ignited a movement that would change countless lives. Melanie Prinsloo had a vision a dream to create a home for babies and children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Melanie has since moved onto establishing another non profit 'The Ubuhle Christian Schoool' with approximately 250 pupils and dedicated staff.
