Footprints 4 Sam recently helped makeover the Paediatric Outpatient Department at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 March 2024) – It’s a well-known fact that the best way to feel good about yourself is to help others. Melissa and Fred Platt turned their personal tragedy into a way to touch and change lives in a positive way. Recently, they helped makeover the Rahima Moosa Paediatric Outpatient Department.
When their son Sam passed away in 2016 at just 15 and a half months, after spending his entire short life in hospital, they founded Footprints 4 Sam, a charitable trust committed to making a meaningful difference in paediatric healthcare in South Africa.
“Our goal was to ensure that his bravery and fighting spirit lives on touching hearts and lives and bringing hope, kindness, humanity and dignity into the wards of paediatric healthcare,” says the couple.
One of their most recent projects was the upgrade of the Paediatric Outpatient Department (POPD) at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) in Johannesburg. This vital department treats around 60-80 children from the local community every day, but the building was in a dire state due to poor maintenance. The walls were peeling, toilets were broken, and ceilings were collapsing.
This is where the Footprints 4 Sam team stepped in.
“What was meant to be a simple paint job to improve the surroundings ended up being close to a renovation,” recalls Melissa. “We had to scrape down the walls and replaster some of them before we could paint. We also sanded down the benches in the waiting area and made the reception more welcoming.”
A cleaning team was brought in to deep-clean the consulting rooms. The floors were stripped and sealed and the bathrooms repaired and cleaned.
“We’re also planning on adding some vibrant pictures and signage, as well as interactive play areas to keep the little ones busy while they wait to see a doctor,” says Melissa.
After two long months of hard work and dedication, the results are amazing. Dr Tyla Malherbe expressed her gratitude to Footprints 4 Sam.
“The POPD is our home away from home and now it’s a brighter and happier space for our young patients and their families, as well as for the amazing doctors who work here.”
Over the years, Footprints 4 Sam has also completed other key rooms and wards in the hospital and in the last financial year, two registrar rooms at RMMCH, a safe space for young healthcare professionals to rest and recharge in the hospital were beautifully renovated.
“We believe that supporting the well-being of patients, parents and healthcare professionals is vital. A well-rested and emotionally supported healthcare professional is better equipped to look after their young charges, and by enabling self-care, we can support improved patient outcomes,” explains Melissa.
The completed rooms offer two sleeping areas, study spaces, individual kitchenettes and a shared bathroom with a shower.
This year Footprints 4 Sam continues with its ambitious goal of realising its Dare to Dream campaign. Footprints 4 Sam has been actively working towards raising the funds needed to renovate the neonatal ICU at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in commemoration of the hospital’s 80 years of service. Their goal… R80 Million.
“This crumbling old lady is the only mother-and-child hospital in the country,” says Melissa. “We want to restore her to her former glory and to make a difference to the lives of the people who work here and the children who are treated here. We know that with the support of caring South Africans we can continue to grow our initiatives and touch many more lives in meaningful and tangible ways.”
How can you help? Donate your time, skills, money, and sporting abilities to leave footprints for Sam.
“Each footprint is an imprint of change in precious lives and we encourage and appeal to all donors and suppliers to choose a project that speaks to their hearts and to consider allocating their financial contributions or time to a selected project,” concludes Melissa.
For more information visit footprints4sam.org and click on the donate buttons.
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