‘Cake boss’ steps in to help Springs family

Dubbed the ‘South African Cake Boss’, Paul Vieira, owner of Cake Extreme in the Benoni CBD, will soon be baking what he terms as the “most priceless cake of his career”.

No ordinary cake, the delicacy will be baked for the soon-to-be 21-year-old Springs resident, Whitey Scheppel who celebrates his birthday on June 17.

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Taking it a step further, Paul has decided to do a fund-raiser for the birthday boy too in the near future as the family is in need of funds due to everyday expenses attached to his care.

Whitey was born healthy but after an unfortunate hit-and-run at the age of two, was left with severe brain damage after his skull broke in six places, and was given a slim chance of survival.

According to his mother, Nonnie Scheppel, the hit-and-run occurred after her son fell out of her moving car at a busy intersection.

Whitey was in a coma for three months after the accident.

He survived two cardiac arrests after waking up and barely escaped a total lung collapse.

Doctors then told Nonnie that her son’s brain damage was irreversible and that he would be a in a vegetated state for the rest of his life.

Due to the brain damage, he was left with bone deformities resulting in various operations that include hip removal on both sides and is disabled.

Completely dependent on family and chronic medication for his survival, Whitey also suffers from epileptic fits and weighs between 10 and 12 kgs.

“When he was two years old he was always fascinated by the planes in the sky that would fly past,” said a tearful Nonnie.

“After the accident, we have only been able to take it one day at a time.

“Doctors are amazed he is still alive.

“They told us to pull the plug when he was still on life support just after the accident.

“After I refused for them to pull the plug, we were told he would not survive beyond 18 years old.

“Through the grace of God, my son will be here for his 21st birthday which was my biggest dream.

“He cannot speak and his teeth had to be removed because he would bite his tongue during fits but by my son is able to laugh; he can be interactive and is often very busy.”

The idea to bake an aeroplane cake for Whitey came after his mother called into the bakery to say she wanted a cake for her son’s 21st birthday party.

“I’ll be super happy to bake this cake,” said Paul.

“I have been commissioned to bake cakes that cost hundreds of thousands of rand, but the cake for Whitey is going to be priceless.”

The cake will be delivered to the family home in time for their birthday celebration on June 15.

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When asked what her needs were, Nonnie told the City Times she is looking for a room for her son as they will soon have to move from their current place of occupancy.

“We need a bigger car that we can transport him in as he cannot sit on his own and has to be carried everywhere.

“I’m currently unemployed as taking care of my son is a full-time job.

“Any form of assistance from the public will be greatly appreciated.”

To assist the family or to get involved with the fund-raiser, contact Paul on 011 845 4837.