Rivah Johnson, 7, is dancing for sick kids.
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Seven years ago, The News introduced readers to Rivah Tiya Johnson, born on February 26 at just 24 weeks’ gestation, weighing a mere 761 grams.
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Described as Shepparton’s tiniest battler, Rivah fought through immense medical complications, including life-saving heart surgery and a serious bowel disease known as NEC.
Her family was told to prepare for the worst, yet she defied the odds time and again.
At the heart of her survival story is not only her incredible strength but also the unwavering love and resilience of her mum, Rebecca Brown, who spent 118 days living at Ronald McDonald House in Melbourne to be by Rivah’s side.
The charity provided Rebecca a lifeline by offering food, support and a place to stay just across the road from her critically ill daughter.
This year, Rivah has turned her experience into purpose by joining Dance for Sick Kids, a national fundraiser supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Now seven years old and dancing with U CAN Dance Studio in Shepparton, Rivah set out to raise $240.
But with the help of her community, and even donating her own pocket money, she far exceeded that — raising an incredible $1310, enough to fund eight nights of accommodation for families going through what her’s did.
“We honestly didn’t think we’d get past $100,” Rebecca said.
“Rivah was just excited to dress up in her costumes and dance.”
Rivah has been dancing with U CAN Dance Studio for nearly three years now, where she continues to build confidence and shine on stage.
Her favourite costume from the challenge? Elsa (from Frozen).
Her favourite singer? Taylor Swift.
But perhaps her mum’s most special moment came from a memory in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Rebecca recalled seeing Rivah, tiny and fragile in a humidicrib, stretch her legs like a ballerina.
“I joked at the time, ‘look out, she’s already dancing’. That moment has stayed with me ever since,” she said.
That instinct was right — dancing has helped Rivah with balance, co-ordination and confidence.
It’s also become a way for her to connect with others and now, give back.
It’s now weeks since the challenge ended, but Rivah continues to ask, “Are we dancing for the sick kids today, Mummy?”
That simple question says everything about her heart.
“As a mum, I’m beyond proud, not just because of how far she’s come, but because of her kindness,” Rebecca said.
For Rebecca, this fundraiser has been personal.
“Ronald McDonald House helped me through the worst trauma of my life,” she said.
“They gave me strength when I had none, this was our way of giving back.”
Rivah was one of the top 100 fundraisers out of more than 4000 participants nationwide.
She earned a DFSK T-shirt, was added to the virtual honour roll and will have her name engraved on the DFSK fundraising board.
The national DFSK campaign raised over $722,000, with all funds going directly towards supporting families with seriously ill children.
The DFSK challenge has finished; however, all links remain open until the end of June.
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