Little ray of sunshine raises awareness
A four-year-old learner at Riverview Prep's preschool is helping to change people's perceptions and raising awareness of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, just by being a little ray of sunshine.
MALALANE – Lyonell Coetzee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia when she was seven months old and has mobility problems, but that hasn’t stopped her from living life to the fullest.
She gets spasms in her muscles, which makes walking and using one of her hands a struggle. She currently uses a wheelchair to get around and needs special shoes and other aids to help normalise her growth and development.
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The positive little girl participated in the interhouse athletics in her wheelchair, to applause from all the spectators. She has also proved to be a fearless and skilled swimmer.
Mom Esmari says the school has been very good for Lyonell, as she is learning to be more independent. “The school does such a lot for her and everyone is so helpful and caring.” She and husband Leo wanted her to adapt to a mainstream school in preparation for the next phase of her life.
“The experience over the past term has also taught us that we shouldn’t be too overprotective. There are lots of things that she can do, despite being in a wheelchair, and she and her class are testing the boundaries together.”
Besides several regular appointments with therapists, Lyonell needs to get a new pair of corrective shoes each year to help her feet and ankles’ normal growth.
As part of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, the school launched a fund-raising and awareness drive. Pupils, teachers and parents wore green ribbons and managed to raise funds for this year’s pair of special shoes.
Esmari says their dream is that Lyonell will get enough self-confidence to start walking with the aid of her walker and, like with her swimming, start being fearless on her own two feet.
“We have taught her that she’s different, but that the wheelchair is her feet and she doesn’t let her disability stop her from doing what she loves or is interested in,” Esmari explains.
She and Leo are very grateful for their little girl and blessed to have her in their lives. Although they have a difficult time, despite trying to stay positive, they are surrounded by angels. “Malalane’s angels see when we’re having an off day and try to help or give encouragement.
“We are so grateful and can’t express how much we appreciate everyone’s support,” she said.
The Coetzees are currently trying to raise funds for stem-cell treatment with Dr Hein van Wyk in White River, as they’ve heard wonderful things about its effects. It is also a lot less invasive as the other operations that were planned for Lyonell. The downside is that it costs around R30 000 for the treatment and she’ll have to go for several sessions.
“Lyonell has so much love to give and we just want to give her the best in life and help her live life to the fullest,” Esmeri said.
Anyone who would like to assist the Coetzees, can contact Esmeri on esmeriwoest@gmail.com.
