New set of wheels for Mphoentle
"My daughter was diagnosed with an illness that effects the spinal cord, as well as a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta."
A little girl of nine years old has made the most of her struggles.
Despite being unable to walk, Mphoentle Masilo lives a normal life.
She is currently in grade three at a special needs school for children with disabilities.
Her mom, Ms Evelyn Masilo, said Mphoentle was born as a normal little girl.
“It was at eight months when I realised my little girl could not walk.
“She can speak and understand everything like a normal person. She is only unable to walk,” she said.
She said Mphoentle is a willing child and does many things for herself. She also makes use of a walker, or uses her arms to move on the floor.
“The only struggle for us was is that I have to carry her everywhere she wants to go. I would put her on my back and it wasn’t always easy,” said Ms Masilo.
“My daughter was diagnosed with an illness that effects the spinal cord, as well as a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, a disorder characterised by bones that break easily.
She said after a few doctor’s visits, they told her about the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA), which is based in Edenvale.
The organisation handed over a wheelchair to Mphoentle on January 20 in Edenvale.
Mr Danie Botha-Marais, the programme manager for the NCPPDSA, said they received the referral that Mphoentle was in need of assistance.
The NCPPDSA approached Absa and Carnival City to assist in funding the customised wheelchair for Mphoentle. Both cooperates came on board to help make a difference in her life.
“The handover of the wheelchair was a moment we will never forget. The customised wheelchair has given Mphoentle so much confidence.
“Helping children with assistive devices is only one of the services the NCPPDSA renders in respect of children with disabilities,” said Mr Botha-Marais.
He said their assistance is not ending with the hand over of the wheelchair, but further assistance will also be given to her.
Ms Masilo said she will always be grateful for the help her daughter received.
“My daughter will now play outside with her friends and she will be able to move around easier, instead of sitting on the couch. Thank you to all the organisers, the NCPPDSA and the parties involved in helping my daughter. We have managed for so long with great difficulty but now thanks to the assistance, she has her own wheelchair,” she said.
