Children in Distress - In the Pink, Ionela’s first creation

Top Story

In the Pink, Ionela’s first creation

Life has not always been kind to Ionela, infected by a blood transfusion with the HIV virus she was abandoned at birth by her parents in hospital, sadly as complication of her HIV status, she developed a severe skin infection that completely covered her face which was only removed after extensive laser surgery that has left her with disfiguring scar tissue. Throughout Ionela, with her winning smile and “heart of gold” has always been bright, cheerful and full of life and she has battled the virus to make the most of her abilities. She is kindness itself in dealing with other especially children and has the most amazing skills as a needle-woman and seamstress.

Ionela remains the inspiration of our sewing project at St Laurence Centre, Cernavoda, where she lives as part of an independent living project. Recently Ionela had so improved her sewing ability that she was invited take up work experience in the town's local tailoring shop. As part of her trial she made as an “apprentice piece” a dress and matching hat and is thrilled that she has acquired the professional skills required. She is all the more excited because now she knows all about making a dress. She loved working in Lautentiu’s tailor shop with its easy acceptance and fun she had with the Laurentiu’s colleagues.

Ionela is pictured modeling her dress and the added flourish and style of her hat says it all; her friends in the sewing workshop are now are trying to make some models of caps and hats however only time will tell if there are good enough for sale however we are already prospecting the market.

If you would like to know more of our sewing workshop or help Ionela and her colleagues at St Laurence please contact abarron@childrenindistress.org.uk