Donation changes young girl’s life
Once a month Mphoentlen had to be carried to Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto from their home in Vosloorus for treatment.
Mphoentle Masilo, is a nine-year-old girl who enjoys mathematics and English at school.
When she’s not hitting the books, little Mphoentle loves to play with her friends, read and watch television.
However Mphoentle is disabled, but thanks to the donations received through the efforts of Casual Day and the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA (NCPPDSA) based in Edenvale, her life has changed forever.
When she was born, Mphoentle was born with muscular sclerosis, which is a condition that affects the spinal cord.
She could not walk without help and had to be carried on her mother’s back until she received her new wheelchair.
Her mother, Evelyn Masilo who is a single parent and is unemployed, could not afford to buy a customised wheelchair for Mphoentle. As a result, she had to carry her daughter on her back.
This was dangerous as Mphoentle also had osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder where bones break for no apparent reason.
Once a month Mphoentlen had to be carried to Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto from their home in Vosloorus for treatment. The journey consisted of a long walk and multiple minibus rides.
As soon as staff members at the Edenvale head office of the NCPPDSA heard about Mphoentle’s wish for a wheelchair, they set about making her dream come true.
Funding was raised from a Casual Day project which aims to help children like Mphoentle.
“When I grow up I want to be a doctor so that I can help all the other children like me. I am so happy that I have freedom now and my mom does not have to worry so much. The wheelchair has changed my life and the life of my family. Thank you,” said Mphoentle.
She has since added her voice to the many volunteers and campaigners who will be participating in Casual Day.
Now in its 22nd year, Casual Day is the country’s foremost fundraising project for persons with disabilities and is sponsored by the Edcon Group. Casual Day is the flagship project of the NCPPDSA.
The theme for the 2016 Casual Day is Up Your Game.
So get casual for a cause and help change lives one wheelchair at a time.
Those who are interested can phone 011 609-7006 or visit the website www.casualday.co.za for more information.
