The Caitlin Campaign takes off
BRYANSTON - Birth stress left Bryanston Primary School pupil Caitlin West with cerebral palsy, but the West family has stuck together through thick and thin showing that love really does conquer the odds. Together with her twin sister Daniella (7), Caitlin is already a powerful activist in the community, determined to lead a full, meaningful life.
“We have had good days and bad days,” said mom Michelle, “But today, despite dire specialist predictions that Caitlin would never walk, she not only walks, but does jazz and ballet and even asked to do rugby.”
She said Daniella had a unique role to play in her sister’s positive attitude. “She is Caitlin’s drill sergeant, if you will.”
Rare Diseases South Africa chairperson, Kelly Du Plessis said, “The bonds brothers and sisters have with siblings who have rare diseases are definitely special. “This bond is probably even more powerful between twins.” Du Plessis has a son with a rare disease, the main reason she founded the organisation. “I understand the struggles families of children with rare conditions face,” she said.
“I am a complete introvert and never considered myself an activist,” said Michelle, adding that as a parent, you learned to do what you had to. Through ‘fighting’, she has secured sufficient medical care, therapy, and support.
Her desire is to not only to assist her daughter in being the best she can be, but to help other people in her situation to cope. She has launched a ‘one child, one year’ campaign in which each year, through the Caitlin Campaign, she wants to assist a child and their family get onto their feet.
With the help of different contributors, she has recruited cyclists who will cycle in the 94.7 challenge on 17 November to raise funds for the campaign. The community can assist through sponsoring a cyclist or wearing Caitlin Campaign supporter T-shirts on the day.
Vita-thion has also come on board as supporters, and will be running a campaign at Bryanston pharmacies from 1 August. A rand amount from Vita-thion supplements will go towards necessary surgery and medical care for Caitlin.
“Caitlin’s story touched the hearts of staff at Adcock Ingram, which is why we decided to extend our support to her and her family through the Vita-thion campaign,” said Adcock Ingram spokesperson Grant Bursey.
Hearing the West’s story of love and courage, it is difficult not to be moved to take action.
Details: michelle@editmicro.co.za
