Daniël needs new brace
The R50 000 needed to buy little Daniël Otto (10) suffering from Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) a new back brace, was hopefully be raised during Lowveld Trail Running’s Wildlife Series at the Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate on Saturday, April 20.
Daniël was diagnosed with CMD when he was two and a half years old when he suddenly stopped walking and standing upright overnight. His mother, Marina Otto said that it is a condition that he was born with. “It took them a while to diagnose as it does not immediately show itself. There is no cure for this condition, it is something that he will live with for the rest of his life,” she said.
“It is not known what CMD does to the body, but what we know is that if he does not have his back braces his body suppresses the internal organs. He is wheelchair bound and his muscles are getting stiff. Daniël needs to visit a physiotherapist weekly and a pediatric neurologist regularly,” added Marina. She said that ever since her son was diagnosed with CMD, the Hoedspruit community and anonymous donors have been helping to contribute to his care.
Also read: Daniël gets a hydraulic hoist
“I thank God for people who have been with us all the way, without them our lives would have been difficult. There was never a time when we were stranded. We always had money for his medical treatment. The back braces cost R50 000, and as expensive as it is, we always got help to buy them,” she added.
She said that the only time that Daniël feels pain is when they are driving on a bumpy road as he cannot hold his head straight to absorb shock. In 2018, residents and brother and sister duo, Troy and Lilly Otto swam 50km between the Greek islands, and raised R51 000 for Daniël. In the same year, Hoedspruit resident, Michael Dickerson, inspired by Daniël’s positivity and bravery, decided to embark on the ultimate challenge and raise money for Daniël.
Also read: Spend a year with little Daniël Otto
Michael took part in the Karkloof 100, a 161 km run in KwaZulu-Natal which he completed in 24.21.02. The family does have medical aid, but some of the treatment Daniël needs, is seen as a luxury, often leaving the family with huge medical bills to pay. The braces also prevent Daniël’s muscles and tendons in his arms and legs from contracting while he sleeps.
