I don’t know what would have happened to me without her help
Burke's woes came after his size 20 wheel chair was stolen outside his home at Kenneth Gardens earlier this year.
A TEN minute drive from Kenneth Gardens in Umbilo to Addington Hosiptal, which would normally cost less than R20, costs Dean Burke R220. Burke’s woes came after his size 20 wheelchair was stolen outside his home at Kenneth Gardens earlier this year. Now, he says, getting to hospital has become mission impossible. I cannot fit in the wheelchair that was donated to me after mine was stolen and the fact that there are no ramps here means I have to be lifted upstairs and into a car or taxi,” he said.
“I used to have a bigger wheelchair but it was stolen after we washed it and put it outside to dry. I guess they took it for the metal, but fortunately the school that my child attends donated another wheelchair for me,” he said.
Just like the many residents of Kenneth Gardens who have come to rely heavily on the Senzokuhle Home Based Care Organisation, Burke said without the help of Mama Sibiya and the amazing job she does, he did not know what would have happened to him. “At least now I do not have to spend money to go to hospital if I want painkillers or am in need of bandages. She has been great to my family and she always helps us if we are in need of food or any medical attention.”
Echoing her husbands words, Dean’s wife, Antoinnette said: “This woman is heaven sent. We are very grateful for the help she does here and my husband can at least receive some health care support. She has persevered through many difficulties. My grandchildren also love her to bits. I guess they can see the lovely work and the happiness she brings to us. We are very grateful for her work.”
Dean Burke’s tragic story was first highlighted in Berea Mail in August 2012 when his right leg was amputated below the knee after doctors at Addington Hospital advised him it could not be saved. Since losing his leg, he has fallen on hard times and had to undergo a second amputation after he fell through floorboards and a splinter became embedded in his foot. Burke, who is a diabetic, went to Addington Hospital after his foot became septic. Doctors advised amputation and his leg was amputated below the knee.
“I am very big man. I need at least a size 20 to 22 wheelchair. I would like to appeal to the community to help in whatever way they can. I also need to start exercisinge my body,” said Burke, adding that he was one of three residents in the complex who is wheelchair-bound.
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