Team Dave needs support with day-to-day expenses
Jenkins defies the odds as he thrives at the Avril Elizabeth Home for the mentally handicapped in Germiston.
Dylan Jenkins (20) was only expected to live for six weeks after being born at 29 weeks.
Jenkins was born bum first and his lungs were not properly developed.
He was pronounced severely mentally and physically handicapped.
When tested after birth, he scored two out of ten on the Apgar scale.
This is the test done on newborns one minute after birth and then five minutes after birth too assess the baby’s condition and detect possible problems.
Jenkins has defied the odds and has outlived the doctors who diagnosed him.
He has severe curvature of the spine and has very limited mobility in his arms and legs and cannot communicate well.
The family and staff at the home have learned to read his body language and signs to communicate with Jenkins.
Although Jenkins does not require a feeding tube, there is a very real threat of him choking as he cannot chew his food and would not be able to heave if he was choking.
Jenkins has lived at the Avril Elizabeth Home for the mentally handicapped from the age of five.
He is nebulised for his chest every morning and goes to the stimulation centre every day where his arms and legs are massaged.
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“If we had the facilities and the doctors he has here, we would live with him at home,”
“The ladies here are absolutely amazing,” says grandmother Wendy Kay.
Kay runs the Team Dave Trust which is named after Dave Jenkins, Dylan’s father who died suddenly after a cancer diagnosis in 2013.
The trust pays for Jenkins’ day-to-day expenses such as clothes and nappies and medical bills.
For example, his wheelchair needs to be adjusted every six months to accommodate his changing body.
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Every adjustment costs R12 000.
There is also the monthly fee for him to stay at the Avril Elizabeth Home.
Although the trust has their own fund-raising efforts such as selling Easter cupcakes, they fear what would happen to Jenkins should they die.
“Jenkins is the sole beneficiary of the trust but it’s not going to last forever.
“If he lives to 54, he is still going to need support,” says Kay.
In the meantime, the family is grateful to still have Jenkins with them.
“He has taught me humility and how to be a better person.
“At first you’re angry with God but he has his reasons.
“We just want to celebrate his life,” says Kay.
The family will celebrate Jenkins’ 21st birthday on April 16.
Those who wish to support Jenkins and or the Avril Elizabeth Home can call Wendy Kay on 079 895 4243.
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