Scouts swim for Vanessa
A special “Hip Swim” raised R4 395 for Vanessa Jones, who needs surgery on both her hips.
The East Rand District Scout Open Water Swim was held at Homestead Dam, recently.
The event, organised by the First Benoni Sea Scouts, included four swims, as well as the Benoni High School matric pupil’s special fund-raiser.
An MRI scan in November 2014 revealed Vanessa (17) had been suffering from hip-joint damage caused by an abnormality in the shape of her hip bones; a condition she unknowingly had from birth.
The scan was done subsequent to her visiting a doctor, after she sustained a leg injury in April 2014.
Doctors have informed Vanessa that she needs hip arthroscopic surgery to treat her condition, which will cost roughly R130 000, an expense her single-parent mother simply cannot afford.
The matric pupil has a big heart for animals and hopes to have a career in wildlife rehabilitation in the future.
On a day-to-day basis Vanessa faces constant pain and discomfort, as the joints in her hips don’t function properly.
She currently uses crutches to walk and takes medication for the pain.
Also read: Girl (17) needs hip operation
