THERE’S little he doesn’t know about farming. At the age of 12, he has his own tractor and he doesn’t hesitate to hop on a horse to herd some cattle.
Hannes Taljaard dreams of taking over his father’s farm one day but it’s not a straightforward thing to do. The young boy has a rare condition that means even the slightest bump can be dangerous. The farm near Odendaalsrus in the Free State is surrounded by heavy equipment, sharp tools and razor wire, which means there’s no shortage of potential hazards.
Hannes’ parents, Janus (39) and Charmaine (38), are confronted with the reality that their son faces a difficult future.
He was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa simplex soon after he was born. There are four types and Hannes was diagnosed with the version formerly known as the Koebner phenomenon (see box).
Even the most minor of mishaps – bumps and scrapes that would leave most other people without any sign of injury – will result in him developing painful lesions and sores.
The farm tractor pulls to a stop next to where we’re standing. After getting down slowly and with great difficulty, Hannes comes over. As he greets us with a firm handshake, it’s impossible not to notice the cuts, scrapes and blisters covering his skin.
He often has blisters on his skin – even on the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands. But he doesn’t let that get him down, Charmaine says.
“Hannes has an extremely high pain threshold. Doctors have told us the wounds and blisters are tantamount to the pain of third-degree burn wounds.”
AS WE chat with his parents, Hannes, a keen cricketer, exercises his bowling arm by throwing stones at a tree.
Esta historia es de la edición 13 April 2023 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 13 April 2023 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
DIDDY'S DISGRACE
A video showing singer Cassie being attacked by Sean Diddy Combs reveals the disturbing reality of their relationship
THE BABY-FACED ASSASSIN
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is fast becoming one of the top talents in the English Premier League
OODLES OF POODLES
Kaz’s latest dog show triumph is the culmination of years as one of the world’s top trainers of the breed
MY LIFE IS PURE HELL
A reader wrote to YOU recounting her harrowing experience of living with a narcissist for decades. Pieter Van Zyl relays her story
THE LOTTO CURSE
Over the years Andy Carter has helped 2 000 lottery winners adapt to life as newly minted millionaires. Here he shares the worst mistakes he’s seen people make and reveals why instead of being a passport to freedom, a jackpot win can actually make things far more complicated
IT'S NOT YOU IT'S ADHD
We ask experts to explain the rise in late diagnosis of the condition in women
BITTER SWEET
Arina was diagnosed with cancer while carrying her miracle baby and made the tough choice to start chemo while pregnant
SHE'S GOT THE POWER
Monica Lewinsky was on suicide watch after the humiliating Bill Clinton scandal, but she has now turned her life around and become a force to be reckoned with
IT'S ALL OVER!
For 26 years she was the Bok coach’s support system on the side lines – travelling with him for work, taking care of the kids and celebrating his world cup victories. Now Rassie and Nicolene have divorced
JUST NO WAY THIS IS GOING TO WORK!
Separate houses, time apart, fundamental differences – fears are mount for Ben and Jen’s marriage