A Story of Strength, Love, and Purpose

Behind the heartbeat of the Emily-Ann Foundation is a deeply personal story—a journey of love, resilience, and unwavering faith. At the center of it all are Shani, a passionate modern-day mom, and her daughter Emily-Ann, a radiant soul living with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), severe eczema, and multiple allergies.

This is not just a tale of illness—this is the beginning of a legacy.

Meet Shani: A Mother on a Mission

Shani is not your average mom. She is a woman of vision and fierce devotion, balancing the tender demands of motherhood with the calling of advocacy. From navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a rare disease diagnosis to becoming a voice for families facing similar challenges, Shani has turned her pain into purpose.

Her days are a delicate dance between doctor visits, treatment plans, food-label reading, researching new therapies, praying, and providing a sense of normalcy and joy in their home.

“I never imagined I’d be the mother of a child with a rare disease, but Emily-Ann’s journey has awakened something powerful in me—a calling to build something that outlives the pain.” — Shani Faro

Emily-Ann: The Sunshine with Sensitive Skin

Born with a glow and a giggle that lights up every room, Emily-Ann is more than her diagnosis. She’s vibrant, witty, imaginative, and full of personality. But behind the laughter lies a body that’s ultra-sensitive to the world—chronic eczema, airborne and food allergies, and the ongoing complexities of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM).

JDM is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and muscles, often leaving young children weak, fatigued, and in chronic discomfort. For Emily-Ann, even the smallest allergic trigger—like dust, dairy, or heat—can lead to severe flare-ups and days of pain.

But Emily-Ann is more than her symptoms. She’s a dreamer. A storyteller. A little girl who loves to dress up, sing in the mirror, and remind her mom every day what true courage looks like.

Why the Emily-Ann Foundation Exists

What began as a personal battle has now become a broader mission. The Emily-Ann Foundation was born from a desire to:

• Raise awareness for rare diseases like JDM in South Africa.

• Support moms and caregivers of children with sensitive skin, chronic eczema, and severe allergies.

• Provide school outreach, clothing drives, and feeding schemes to under-resourced communities, especially in Kraaifontein and Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs.

• Serve as a resource hub for smaller NPOs, providing support, visibility, and community.

The foundation is deeply rooted in lived experience. Shani knows what it’s like to sit in hospital waiting rooms, to advocate tirelessly for answers, and to cry quietly after yet another flare-up. She also knows the power of community—and how many other families feel unseen and unsupported.

Faith, Advocacy & the Road Ahead

The journey hasn’t been easy—but it’s sacred. Every challenge has deepened Shani’s faith and strengthened her resolve to be a voice for the voiceless. Through blogs, public talks, school activations, and outreach, Shani and Emily-Ann continue to bring hope, education, and light into spaces often forgotten.

Whether it’s distributing sensitive-skin-friendly clothing, providing allergy-safe meals, or simply telling their story, the mother-daughter duo continues to uplift others through authenticity and heart.

Join the Journey

You don’t need to have a rare disease to care. You don’t need to be a parent to support. You just need a heart that wants to help. Join us in creating a world where every child with eczema, allergies, or rare conditions is seen, supported, and celebrated.

👉 Follow our story.
👉 Share our blog.
👉 Support the Emily-Ann Foundation.

Because every warrior mom and vibrant child deserves a community that wraps them in love.