Artists come out to support sick child
Springs - Khotso Mothapo of 5 Shaft Production and Projects hosted a benefit concert, at Springs Theatre, for his two-year-old nephew, Thatohatsi, on Saturday night to raise funds for specialised equipment for the ill child and to raise awareness about fumarase deficiency.
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“My nephew was diagnosed with fumarase deficiency soon after he was born,” says Mothapo.
The deficiency is rare and primarily affects the nervous system, Mothapo explains.
The benefit concert was aimed at raising funds to buy Thatohatsi a specialised chair, which costs about R69 000.
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“I asked these artists to perform at the show and they agreed, even though I wouldn’t pay them.
“All the funds collected will go towards buying the chair,” he adds.
Lydia Mothapo, Thatohatsi’s mother, says she is overwhelmed by the support she has received.
“Our families have been amazing through it all.
“And Thatohatsi’s father has exceeded my expectations in the support he has given me.”
Lydia hopes to start a support group for parents who find themselves in similar situations.
“I was touched when strangers would call me to offer support.
And the medical stuff that always assists us when he gets admitted to hospital,” she adds.
” People Mamadi and Nene Physiotherapists offered their services at no cost to us at all”
She believes creating awareness will help remove the stigma associated with such diseases.
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“Most people resort to hiding their children and keeping them locked up because they are different from other children. But that doesn’t have to happen.”
She says parents have to love their children regardless of their condition
Parents should give their children the best possible opportunities to live a good life, she adds.
Khotso says he will be eternally grateful to everyone who helped him put the show together, especially the artists who performed on the evening.
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