Janice’s Story

Janice’s Story

26-year-old Janice was born and raised on Jakkalsvlei farm in Clanwilliam. During a routine visit by the Pebbles Project Driscoll’s Mobile Health Clinic, the clinic nurse noticed that Janice’s blood pressure was alarmingly high.

Trusting her instinct and medical experience, she suspected that Janice might be suffering from pre-eclampsia, a serious and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication.

Without hesitation, the Pebbles Project Driscoll’s Mobile Health Clinic team rushed Janice to the nearest hospital. There, doctors confirmed the diagnosis and immediately placed Janice on a drip. She was admitted for a two-week stay so that her condition could be closely monitored. As her health remained a concern, doctors decided to perform an emergency C-section, and Janice’s baby boy was safely delivered. Following the birth, Janice was advised to stay in hospital for a further two weeks to ensure a full recovery.

Far from home, without any personal belongings or baby items, Janice struggled with feelings of sadness and homesickness. “It felt like I was in the hospital for so long,” she recalls. “I didn’t have any of my clothes with me, or anything for my baby to wear. I felt so far away from home and my family.”

But then, a moment of kindness changed everything. The Pebbles Project Driscoll’s Mobile Health Clinic team arrived at the hospital to visit Janice, not empty-handed, but carrying a Pebbles Project Baby Box, filled with essential items for both mom and baby. “The Pebbles team came to visit me in the hospital and gave me a Baby Box, inside the box, was everything my baby boy needed! It was so wonderful. There were even two sets of clothes for him and toiletries for me that I really needed at the time. I am so thankful.”

Thanks to the swift action and compassionate care of the Pebbles Project Driscoll’s Mobile Health Clinic team, Janice and her son are both safe and thriving.

Her story is a powerful reminder of how early intervention and support can transform what could have been a tragedy into a story of hope and new beginnings.

*This story captures a period in the beneficiary’s journey during their involvement with Pebbles Project and reflects their circumstances at the time it was written.