ERMELO – Bandile Hopewell Welkome Nkabinde, a friendly six-year-old boy, deals with the challenging hand life dealt him, like a champion.

He was born on March 23, 2016, was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and since then his mom, Ms Thabile Angel Mlangeni and his grandmother, Ms Thembisile Nkosi, have been fighting in his corner, giving him every opportunity to succeed in life.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Ms Michelle van der Merwe, a local Orthotist Prosthetist of Michelle van der Merwe Orthopedic Services, began working with Bandile about four months ago.

Ms Van der Merwe told Highvelder that one of her cerebral palsy patients told Bandile’s doctor, Dr Nakambule of Carolina about her, who contacted her about the necessary treatment for the boy.

He still struggles to stand up by himself, but Ms Van der Merwe is positive that they will reach that goal.

He loves to learn, and with the help of CocoMelon during his weekly session, Bandile now knows the months of the year and can recall the alphabet.

“I’m so proud of the progress he has made since his first treatment, and we would like to work with him for as long as he needs the help.”

Ms Van der Merwe said they are in need of a pediatric walking frame for Bandile to walk around at their home.

Anyone who wishes to help Bandile can contact Ms Van der Merwe at 064 542 0206.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder newspaper.