New wheels for Mncedisi Myeni
The long struggle to find a wheelchair for Mncedisi Myeni (26) has been on-going, with no positive outcome, until recently.
According to Mncedisi’s mother, Thuleleni Myeni, her son was born with his disability and his speech was not as good as that of other children, but, from a young age, his hearing was always the most developed of his senses.
She explained that she started taking him to the King Edward VIII Hospital, in KwaZulu-Natal, when she noticed that his legs were not developing as they should.
When the family moved to Gauteng, she took the baby, who was about two months old at the time, to the Rahima Moosa Mother And Child Hospital (formerly Coronationville Hospital) and they suggested amputation of the underdeveloped legs.
Having outgrown the wheelchair that was donated by a community member in the past, countless attempts were made to repair the wheelchair as a temporary solution, until he got a new one.
The 26-year-old’s mother said community members would bring Mncedisi wheelchairs, but none of them would fit, due to his size.
The dire search all changed on July 21, when Past Retha Teitge, from the Manger Care Centre, donated one which is suitable for Mncedisi needs.
The chair was delivered to him at his home, in Zenzele.
Mncedisi’s life involved people offering different opinions regarding his condition, and doctor’s suggesting amputation and pins being inserted into his legs to make his condition more manageable
Due to circumstances, Thuleleni did what she thought was best and protected her son by giving him the best care she possibly could.
Besides surviving on the grant Mncedisi receives every month, his mother also sells vetkoek to make extra money.
Fortunately Mncedisi does not suffer from any health problems and continues to be have a warm, welcoming spirit, despite his condition.
Clapping his hands in excitement, with a huge smile on his face, he showed the gratitude he felt, knowing that he will once again be able to move around with ease.
With his mother’s assistance he managed to move himself from his old wheelchair to the new one.
Like a child receiving a new toy, he couldn’t wait to play and familiarise himself with his new mode of transport.
Mncedisi’s mother shared the same sentiments as her son and thanked the pastor for her efforts.
Thuleleni said: “I’m so happy that my son finally has a wheelchair that fits him, we are grateful.”
