A Kimberley teenager battling leukaemia had her passion for photography brought to life with a magical experience at a private game reserve and a surprise gift.
FIFTEEN-year-old Eunike Deyzel from Kimberley might appear quiet and gentle at first, but beneath that calm exterior lies a young woman of remarkable strength and artistic talent. Despite her ongoing battle with leukaemia, Eunike has cultivated a deep passion for photography, using her lens to express her profound connection with nature.
In a heart-warming collaboration, Mattanu Private Game Reserve and the Reach For A Dream organisation joined forces to create a “Dream Day” for Eunike that went far beyond a typical wildlife experience. What started as a regular game drive quickly transformed into something extraordinary for Eunike and her family.
Unbeknownst to her, a dream close to her heart was about to be fulfilled – a professional 150-600mm camera lens, perfect for capturing wildlife in all its glory, was waiting for her.
The lens, presented to Eunike by Nadine from Mattanu, was more than just a tool for photography; it was a key to a world where Eunike could merge her fight for health with her love of the wild. Her reaction upon receiving the gift was transformative – the joy that radiated from her face in that moment was a powerful reminder of the profound impact that hope can have.
“The dream meant so much to Eunike because it perfectly aligned with her deep passion for wildlife photography, allowing her to capture the majesty of nature, which has always been a source of solace and inspiration throughout her treatment,” explained Saska de Bruin, a Reach For A Dream field worker.
With the new lens in hand, Eunike embarked on an adventure across the reserve, capturing stunning images of giraffes, zebras and the vibrant wildlife at Mattanu. Each photograph became a cherished memory for all involved, encapsulating moments of wonder and joy.
The day culminated in a delightful breakfast at the reserve, where Eunike shared her photographs and newfound skill, capturing not only the breathtaking wildlife but also the joy of her family and the Reach For A Dream team. It was a day filled with joy, adventure, and heartfelt moments, demonstrating the profound impact of fulfilling a dream so deeply personal.
Eunike’s mother, Debbie Deyzel, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you to Reach For A Dream for your dedication and for making Eunike’s Dream Day so unforgettable. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible; we are deeply appreciative.”
Reflecting on the day, Saska de Bruin added, “Bringing Eunike’s dream to life was incredibly rewarding. It was a powerful reminder of how a single dream can ignite hope and empower us to overcome life’s challenges. Through dreams like hers, we aim to show our dreamers that they can soar beyond what they once thought was impossible.”
Reach For A Dream continues to bring life-changing experiences to children facing life-threatening illnesses, proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams can foster hope and resilience.
