Soyama overcomes diplegic cerebral palsy with hope and determination

MOST children hold in their hearts a wishlist of special experiences and prized items.

- STAFF REPORTER

For a young boy in Gqe-berha, it is no different, except that number one on his list is the ability to walk again - a wish that is now being fulfilled thanks to the positive power of humanity.

Mande Toubkin, group man-ager Emergency Trauma Transplant and Corporate Social Investment at Netcare, said when thirteen-year-old Soyama Vena’ case was first brought forward by selfless doctors, it set off a chain reaction of collaboration and participation, with life changing results.

Soyama has diplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts his lower limbs, and for much of his childhood, he was able to get around with the support of a walking frame.

However, his condition deteri-orated, and he had recently become reliant on a wheelchair, robbing him of his independence.

Now, following a complex operation to address numerous complications affecting his hips, legs and feet, Soyama is starting to take steps once more, and according to his mother, he is standing taller than ever, both in body and spirit.

Boniswa Vena had been worrying deeply for her son as she watched his mobility decline over the last year despite doing everything possible to provide him with the care he needed.

“When Soyama was born, he was premature, but at the time, I had no idea anything was the matter. As time passed and he was missing milestones, such as starting to walk, I knew that all was not well,” she says.