Oscar inspires Edenglen pupils
He was born with Maroteaux Lamy Syndrome, or MPS6, which is characterised by dwarfism among other characteristics.
Matric pupils from Edenglen High School were left inspired after they received a visit from dynamic motivational speaker, Oscar Von Memerty.
Oscar visited the school on Wednesday last week, to chat to pupils about Rare Disease Day in South Africa, which will take place on February 28.
At 18-years-old, Oscar stands at 113 centimetres tall.
He was born with Maroteaux Lamy Syndrome, or MPS6, which is characterised by dwarfism among other characteristics.
Without a lifesaving bone marrow transplant, Oscar would have died before he reached his teens and with transplants being a costly affair, his parents Vivienne and Ian, raised the funds needed themselves through various local performances.
In 1997, Oscar underwent his first transplant, but it was rejected by his body.
Again in 2003, Oscar underwent a second transplant. Despite developing a lung infection which resulted in a 10 minute heart-stoppage, the transplant was successful.
During his second transplant, Oscar’s parents were told repeatedly that doctors had never been able to save a child in Oscar’s situation and that he would most definitely die within 72 hours.
They also said that if he did survive there would certainly be brain damage, especially after such an extended cardiac arrest.
Miraculously, Oscar survived with no brain damage and his quality of life improved radically.
Growing up, Oscar attended a normal school, had a host of friends and a rich social life.
He discovered a passion and talent for hip hop dancing as well as being a charismatic and entertaining speaker.
Despite all his hardships, Oscar has developed a powerful and unique style of motivational speaking and stand-up comedy.
His message is aimed at overcoming huge obstacles and turning adversity into triumph.
Oscar loves to dance and uses his talent to show the audience that perseverance and positive thinking will grant you the opportunity to fulfil your potential and purpose.
Last week, Oscar used his unique talents to tell pupils about rare diseases.
There are 7 000 rare diseases in the world affecting 350-million people.
Without much-needed funds, those needing medical care, as Oscar did, would not be able to live a full life.
The theme for this year’s Rare Disease Day is Jeans for Genes and encourages participants to buy a denim ribbon and wear their jeans on February 28.
All funds raised through the project will go toward the ongoing care of rare disease patients in South Africa.
Alternative fund raising is also done through an SMS line.
Residents wanting to support this cause can SMS RARE to 38232 to donate R10.
For more information on rare diseases, visit www.rarediseases.co.za
