Tony's Story

Antonio Corne September was born on the 22nd December 2003 in the George Hospital. As the South African government at the time was bumbeling around in the dark regarding HIV/AIDS, Tony's life was to start off on the wrong foot. Beetroot and onions were obviously not doing the job that they were created for as Tony's mother, Sabine September, was HIV positive. Tony contracted the virus at birth and the first page in his book was written.

When only 11 months old, Tonys mother died. As she was only 25 years old, and unmarried, the social services had no choice but to track down his 22 year old father to come and fetch him. Tonys father was living in very poor conditions with his girlfriend. A squatter camp with no electricity or running water. A tin shack with no hope. Tony's life just went from bad to worse.

At the age of 2 years old, Tony came to the attention of the hospital and welfare workers. He was admitted to the George Hospital was severe malnutrition, HIV, and raging TB. It was a miricle that this tiny, underweight child was still alive.

Luckily for Tony, this would be the turning point in his story.

Tony was placed in the St. Mary's Home for Children in Rosemore. Here he spent the next year of his life.

At the age of 3, a social worker from the St. Mary's Childrens home spoke to me about Tony. Would I be intersted in taking him in? WHAT??!

Take in a 3 year old boy who is sick? Do I look like I am crazy? I am a single mother with 2 children who are finally big enough for me to relax. Surely this is too much to ask?

I said no.

Two weeks later my curiousity got the better of me. I asked who Tony was and he was called outside to say hello. The most beautiful, tiny little boy came out, walked up to me and put his arms around my neck. My heart melted. How could I walk away? I took him home.

The next few months were hard. From February to July 2007 Tony was only allowed to stay with us on the weekends. The red tape was frustrating and time consuming. Tony was confused. Only 3 years old and not understanding the process.

In July 2007 Tony moved in with us on a permanent basis. This brough on new challenges because he now didnt understand why he couldnt go back to the childrens home. Those people had been his family for a year and a half and now he had been taken away. Tony began to act up with tantrums and bed wetting. It was heartbreaking and infuriating.

The move also brought on a dip in his health. Tony had not been on any medication for the HIV up to this point and the illness was starting to rear its ugly head.

The next 3 months were hell.

Tony started his medication in August 2007.

Once the virus is suppressed the immune system startes to work. As your body fights it brings on much sickness. 3 Months of fear. In and out of the hospital. Lungs filled with fluid. Soaring tempretures. A limp and exhaused fighter.

In September 2007, Tony began to blossom. The sick child was replaced by a happy, healthy, busy, naughty boy. He began to grow. No longer a tiny child who didnt speak. No longer a child with little hope.

Tony has never been sick again. He is the healthiest person I know. Not even a cold can set up house in his body. He has grown to the same size as children his own age. He is clever and full of mischief. He is a hero.