Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy (ELBA) appealed to the community to support it in its endeavour to assist Eldorado Park resident Jontae Damoense.
The academy first met Jontae when he and his father, Junior, came to watch a basketball match at ELBA’s court several months ago.
Co-founder and coach of ELBA Edson Makavan explained that when he saw Junior and his son at the academy’s court, he was curious about Jontae’s condition and wanted to learn more.
“After talking to Junior, I was touched by their story,” explained Edson.
The three-year-old has been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cortical visual impairment and chronic reflux.
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Born prematurely when he was 26 weeks old, Jontae weighed 750 grams and spent 156 days in ICU.
During his time in ICU, Jontae needed multiple medical procedures, which included resuscitation and abdominal surgery.
Jontae’s mother, Mechelle le Roux, explained that his epilepsy was noticed by Junior after Jontae came home from the hospital and Junior noticed a small twitch.
“After we brought Jontae home from the hospital, he would often cry but we couldn’t determine why.”
She said after Junior noticed the twitch the couple took Jontae for scans and he was later diagnosed with epilepsy.
Shortly after Jontae returned home from the hospital, Junior’s contract with the company where he had started working as a salesperson came to an end.
Although it was a financial blow to the family and made things more difficult, Junior said things worked out for the best as it allowed him to provide more care for his son and take him to the hospital four times a day.
Mechelle said looking back, the family is grateful that Jontae’ surgeries occurred before the Covid-19 pandemic as they could spend time in the hospital with him.
She said by going to speech, physio, occupational and other forms of therapy, Jontae was able to make progress.
However, Mechelle said since the start of the pandemic, Jontae has regressed.
“To protect ourselves during lockdown levels one, two and three, we limited our movement and as a result stopped therapy.”
Although the family does have medical aid, the mounting expenses of Jontae’s treatment have started to take their toll.
Mechelle said because of the financial pressures, the family has had to prioritise Jontae’s needs.
“I suffered a stroke several years ago and has postponed seeing a specialist so that my son can receive treatment.”
She said by working together with the Lions the couple hopes to give their son the best life they can.
Edson said although the family does not live in Edenvale, it does not matter to the academy.
“As an academy, we will try and assist anyone who needs help.”
Edson said as Play Your Part ambassadors for Brand SA, he and co-founder Byron Pinheiro not only hope to create a better SA but want to also create a platform to help others.
For more information about the fundraising initiative and assisting Jontae, contact ELBA through its Facebook page.
Alternatively, visit www.solido2.co.za/sponsorships/Jontae-Damoense/
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