A gift of mobility for brothers
While attending a party at the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, to celebrate Caleb’s 16th birthday, they were told they would both receive the gift of surgery to improve their mobility.
Their operations are scheduled for July 20.
According to Dr Mark Eltringham, an orthopaedic surgeon at the hospital, the brothers suffered from multiple untreated bone and joint infections in their childhood years, which caused severe deformities to their bones.
As a result they are currently handicapped and unable to walk with ease.
A charity ball to raise funds for their operations was hosted by Netcare’s information systems department (ISD).
A total of R145 000 was raised and, to ensure sound governance, the process and funding is being managed by the Netcare Foundation.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to stand on our feet; it is not about how big or small the present is, but the heart behind the gift,” said Kalala.
“Caleb’s surgery will focus on getting his right leg, which is twisted 90 degrees, to face forward,” explained Eltringham.
“This complex procedure involves breaking and lengthening the bone and slowly rotating it over an extended period using an external fixator.”
He added that,for Kalala,they will focus on straightening his right knee, which is knobbed, by cutting the thigh bone and securing it with a plate in the correct position.
Their recovery period is expected to take three to six months.
“Depending on how they respond to this treatment, we will decide on the next steps, but they will most likely require several more procedures,” Eltringham said.
Netcare’s communications director, Kerishnie Naiker, extended sincere gratitude to all who have generously contributed to the wellbeing of Caleb and Kalala.
