Spirit Community Foundation Stories

Mrs Farieda Howell was born in District Six in the 1950’s. She attended school at Trafalgar High, worked at a factory and as a clerk at De Jagers until she was 55. Mrs Howell married at the age of 19, had three children and now six grandchildren. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and her family. Several years ago, Mrs Howell suffered a cardiac arrest after being sent home without treatment from public health care. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she fell ill and was diagnosed with heart failure. 36 years ago, Mrs Howell perforated her ear drum, but did not experience hearing loss. It was only recently when she noticed she had difficulty hearing. Mrs Howell attended a diagnostic audiological assessment funded by the Spirit Foundation, which revealed infections in both her ears. She has been referred for further investigation to an ear nose and throat specialist to provide treatment for the infections.