Elderly parents seek help for brain-damaged son (43)
Henri (43) cannot walk, talk or see, and needs to receive special care
Parents of a 43-year-old man with extensive brain damage are desperately trying to raise money for his care after falling on hard times.
Henri Jordaan (43) was born to loving parents, Drikus (65) and Amanda (62), in 1975. Unfortunately, he sustained brain damage at birth, which left him blind and without any motor functions.
This meant Henri was never able to walk, talk or do anything for himself.
His parents dedicated their lives to make sure that Henri got the best possible care. When he was 13, they reserved a room for him at Casa Caritas, a home for people with special physical and mental needs.
Father Drikus dedicated much of his time to the institution by organising events to help raise funds. Henri has lived there ever since.
The road, however, has not been easy. In 1999, both his hips gave in and had to be removed. Recently, his adrenal glands stopped working, making him dependent on medicine.
Financially, the Jordaan family has also taken strain. “I used to work for Telkom but was let go,” Drikus told Express. “Now, I work as a bus driver for a school. What used to be a bit of extra money is now our family’s only income.”
He speaks calmly, with his hands folded, as he explains all his son’s expenses. “Henri’s care costs are about R5 000 a month. But now we are about R50 000 behind.” Doctors have told Henri’s family that their son needed to be under special care such as that offered at Casa Caritas. Removing him would be fatal.
Despite what must be a worrisome situation, Drikus is calm and has a friendly demeanour. He seemed happy when he showed us pictures of his son.
“That was one of his good days,” he said, pointing at a picture of Henri with his two nieces.
To try and ease their financial strain, Henri’s parents will host a concert on May 26 at 2pm at Hoërskool Jeugland. Artists such as Rian Kukard and Dianne James will perform for free and all proceeds will go towards Henri’s medical expenses. Anyone willing to assist the family can call Drikus on 082 416 2175
