Community rallies around Stander family
Residents raise more than R80 000 for little Zack and his family.
“WORDS cannot express my thanks for all your love and help. You have changed my life.” Those were the emotional words of Suné Stander after the local community raised more than R80 000 for her three-year-old son, Zack, who needs a specialised wheelchair.
In February this year, Suné and Juan spoke openly to Northglen News, revealing their heartbreak and daily struggles. The couple’s plea for help encouraged Durban North resident and construction company (Chenin Construction) owner, Mike Otto, to lend a helping hand. He hosted a golf day to raise funds for Zack.
Zack was born in October 2011 and experienced breathing problems at birth. At three months old doctors realised he was blind. However, the prognosis as to what caused his blindness has remained a mystery as doctors struggle to diagnose him. He also has neurological and developmental issues, which prevent him from talking or walking. Zack had to use a standing frame from a young age as well as work with a physiotherapist. He is also autistic.
The money raised from the golf day now means the family will be able to buy the specialised wheelchair.
“We didn’t expect such an overwhelming response from the community. Once the article appeared in the paper, The Barnyard Theatre contacted us and gave me 100 tickets, with 100 per cent of the profits going towards Zack. Pick ‘n Pay Hyper by the Sea also donated a number of items towards the cause, which was phenomenal. I really got the sense of a community coming together.
“It’s such a strange feeling to receive money from total strangers, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. Raising more than R80 000 is just amazing. You’ve given me and my family such love, and I wish I could thank you all personally,” she said.
One resident also donated a wheelchair to the Stander family.
“It was a motorised wheelchair, which, unfortunately, Zack couldn’t use. But thanks to this kind-hearted man I was able to donate the wheelchair to a charity. And it was used for a local child who has now been given the opportunity to go to school,” she said.
