Life takes dramatic turn for Kroukamp family
The Kroukamps lived happily until life took a dramatic turn.
A family in Florentia has called Alberton home for decades. The Kroukamps are part of this community, and for them, they cannot imagine living anywhere else. Colin Kroukamp (62) is the ‘Pa’ of the house, and his wife, Daleen (52), is the ‘Ma’.
“Colin was a very active person who would still work daily; he could never sit still for even a minute. Colin was a salesperson by profession and enjoyed talking and interacting with people. To see him lying in bed helpless, unable to move or speak, is so heart-breaking,” an emotional Daleen said.
The Alberton Record was told that before his stroke, Colin enjoyed fishing, gardening and volunteering. He also loved spending time at his lapa and swimming pool, where he was always improving and making changes to his favourite area.
However, last year, on December 16, life took a dramatic turn for the Kroukamps. Colin suffered a major ischaemic stroke – a medical emergency caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to a region of the brain.
The symptoms can include facial drooping, limb weakness on one side and slurring words, according to the health website healthline.com
An ambulance collected Colin and rushed him to the Germiston government hospital, where he allegedly waited 17 hours to be attended to.
“The first four hours after a stroke are the most important for potential recovery. Colin has been lying in hospital for three weeks now without progress. The physio has explained that they cannot get to all the patients because they are fully booked,” added Daleen.
The Kroukamps decided to set up a BackABuddy campaign for Colin’s recovery. The fundraising campaign has raised R9 000, but their goal is to reach R50 000.
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These funds will help Colin get to a step-down centre that will assist him with physical, occupational, and speech therapies and equipment that will enable him to do his daily tasks.
Colin’s bedroom also needs alterations to make it easy for him to move around in his wheelchair. Daleen and his family appeal to Albertonians and willing Good Samaritans to chip in.
No amount is too small; every donation, big or small, counts, and the Kroukamps will appreciate it. You can donate using this link: www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/colins-recovery
Willing donors can call Daleen on 072 056 8915 for information about what else they can donate to the family.
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