SA Paralympian an inspiration to young CP sufferer
Little Dempsey's parents believe he has a bright future, even if he has Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Medical costs, especially for a Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) patient, can be hefty.
One-year-old Dempsey van Schoor is one such patient and his parents, Claudette and Johan hosted a fundraising golf day at the Krugersdorp Golf Club to help fight the financial battle that comes with CP.
Claudette told the News that Dempsey was diagnosed in January this year with the rare disease.
“Dempsey’s direct diagnosis is very rare according to his neurologist. This is due to the amount of white matter disease in his brain. He suffers from both stiff and floppy muscles,” she said.
Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affected one of South Africa’s record setting Paralympians, Andrea Dalle Ave, who was also at the fundraising event.
“At the moment, his success is my inspiration,” Claudette said.
The fundraising event on Friday (13 May) had 134 golfers play a half-day 4 ball game. Radio personalities like Johrné van Huysteen, old Springbok and Lions rugby players like Janus Labuschagne along with actors like Reynhardt Hugo came to support the Van Schoors.
At the end of the day, an evening function followed where Pietie Meyer from World of Rugby auctioned valuables and prizes like holiday getaways, to the winning golfers.
Dempsey, throughout his life, will have to go for regular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and hip x-rays. Due to his stiffened muscles, he might also need Botox injected into his muscle twice a year to help relive the stress.
“This means that he needs the help of specialists to ensure that he stands a chance to live a normal life,” Claudette explained.
“We will do everything in our ability to make sure Dempsey will lead as normal a life as he can.”
All funds raised at the event was deposited into Dempsey’s Trust Fund.
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