Wheelchair wish might come true for Surprise

SECUNDA – Ms Belinah Phakathi and her grandchild, Surprise Phakathi (11) whom she adopted, are grateful for the support they have received.

She touched the heart of the community and even though she has received many contributions, their main concern is still a wheelchair.

Surprise was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and was only five days old when her mother passed away from injuries of a vehicle accident.

Her grandmother adopted her, because no other family member wanted to look after her.

After they received cash contributions, a blender and even special soft porridge, the only thing Ms Phakathi was worried about, was how she will thank those who helped them.

“We are so happy and thankful. It helps us so much. I want to thank everyone and need them to know that we are very grateful,” said Ms Phatahi.

They live in eMzinoni, but Surprise has to travel with a taxi to Secunda and back to attend Marietjie School.

Because Surprise struggles to eat and swallow, her food needs to be blended or she has to eat soft porridge that is put on the back of her tongue.

Ms Phakathi explained: “I am getting old and cannot carry her around anymore. When they were striking in eMzinoni, she could not go to school. I was unable to take her with me.”

The ideal will be to get a specialised wheelchair for Surprise with Cerebral Palsy (CP), but any wheelchair that is in a good working condition can be adapted.

Cerebral Palsy is a brain disease that causes paralysis.

This refers to damage to the brain that causes loss of muscle control.

If the cerebellum is damaged, the person will most likely struggle with fine motoring skills like writing and typing.

It does not get worse over time and is therefor called a non-progressive disease.

CP is classified by the type of muscle movements as a result from the brain injury and affects what type of activities the patient can perform.

Spastic CP is the most likely to occur and affects about 70 per cent of CP patients.

She will undergo an operation in November to put her hip back into the socket.

This will relieve a lot of pain and discomfort.

If anyone can assist with a secondhand wheelchair in good working condition, a contribution towards a new wheelchair or number five nappies, contact Marietjie School at 017 631 1474/5 or send an e-mail to marietjielsen@telkomsa.net.

United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa is a support group for people with children suffering from CP.

You can visit their website at https://ucpa.za.org.

https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/144176/serebrale-gestremdheid-stuit-sibongile/