Fundraising event on Saturday to help paralysed dad
Chris was involved in a car accident in 2008 leaving him with a broken neck and back.
The community is invited to attend Wheelz2Legz’s first fund-raising event to be held at Dolphins Corner on May 5.
Wheelz2Legz is a non-profit organisation that aims to raise funds for Kempton Park’s Chris van der Sandt for a medical procedure.
“Chris was involved in a car accident in 2008 which left him with a broken neck and back. He was in a chemically induced coma for 38 days and woke up to be told that he was two-thirds paralysed and almost a quadriplegic. He went through rehab and was discharged to live his life as a paraplegic,” said the family’s close friend, Vanessa Bezuidenhout.
“Chris has since gotten married and with the help of doctors started a beautiful family. He now has a three-year-old daughter and 15-month-old twin boys.”
“Chris has been accepted by Unique Access Medical, an organisation that treats all kinds of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, with the help of epidural stimulation at an international accredited tertiary care hospital. The doctors at the hospital advocate a 100 per cent success rate.”
Vanessa told EXPRESS that Wheelz2Legz has been set up as a non-profit organisation to raise funds for this procedure which costs about 100 000 US dollars or R1 238 850.
“Chris’ aim when setting up this non-profit organisation, was to be able to raise funds for his own treatment, but in doing so also wanted to pave the way forward for more less fortunate recipients who also cannot afford the treatment,” explained Vanessa.
“The event on Saturday will be the first being held by the organisation. It will promote positivity with two motivational speakers, and Jacques, a singer from Kempton Park, will form part of the entertainment for the day. A young dance group will also render a performance.”
Chris and his family will be present on the day to tell his story.
“Another important element about this organisation is that the long-term goal is to raise funds for other recipients who can’t afford the treatment,” said Chris. “This is very close to my heart and I would love for this organisation to be a success in helping those who need it.”
The event will be a two-hour affair from 10am to noon with tickets being sold for R100. Prizes are up for grabs. The main prize, sponsored by Dolphins Corner, is a R10 000 deduction off the price for a wedding at the venue.
“The second prize winner will get 50 per cent off any event at Dolphins Corner,” said Vanessa.
“Thank you to all our sponsors, namely Dolphins Corner who have also sponsored the venue and set-up for Saturday, and TGMC who have sponsored a carbon fibreglass coffee table which will form part of the prizes to be won on the day. Vouchers for fishing equipment, facials, manicures and pedicures and make-up will also be up for grabs.
“Raffles will be held on the day as well to raise more money; this is going to be a fun-filled inspirational morning for couples and single people. There are 400 seats and we have sold 200 tickets.
For more informationcontact Vanessa on 0795085778 or Nadia van der Sandt on 0828568568.
