FOLLOW-UP: Golfers attempt to sink Venters’ medical bills

Despite the threat of rain, keen golfers made their way to the Benoni Lake Club on April 5, ready for the 10:30 tee-off for the fundraising golf day in aid of Linda and Brayden (12) Venter.

Just before 09:00, the clouds slightly parted with the sun breaking through the cover, shining nearly as brightly as Linda’s smile as her husband, Marius, and son, Brayden, arrived to help with the day’s activities.

Cheerfully greeting family and friends with warm hugs, it is difficult to believe seven months have passed since the mother of three had to be airlifted from their Brentwood Park home after a dog attack.

The afternoon of August 29, last year, was like any other.

Linda was hanging washing, and Brayden kicked his rugby ball with their beloved family dog, Zeus, playing fetch.

It is alleged that without warning, Zeus turned on Brayden, attacking the boy from behind.

Upon hearing the commotion, Linda ran to her son’s rescue, doing everything in her power to ward off the attack, physically placing herself between her injured child and the snarling dog.

Linda was in the hospital for 28 days, during which they amputated her right arm at the shoulder, and she suffered extensive bites to her legs and left arm.

Brayden suffered bites to the face, head and buttocks.

Hero
Since then, every member of the Venter family has celebrated another birthday, enjoyed a well-deserved holiday and relocated to Atlasville, and Linda started a career as a real estate agent.

“Life is good,” said Linda with an infectious laugh.

“We decided to start fresh by moving to a new home and have taken the time to appreciate every day graciously granted to us.”

Sitting near his mom, Brayden has fresh bruises acquired during a recent rugby match at Laerskool Rynfield.

The young scrumhalf keeps looking over his shoulder, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the day’s VIP, former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha.

“I cannot wait to meet Bakkies. I want to be a world-class player like him,” he said.

When asked about the day of the attack and how he is coping, his eyes sparkle.

“That day is over. What happened was scary, but our wounds have healed, and we are all together,” Brayden said.

“The scars will one day become nothing more than a cool story to tell others. I am happy I do not have to go for any more operations.”

Before dashing off, he leans his head to his mother.

“My mom is my hero. She saved my life and still does everything she used to do with only one arm. She is a real-life supermom,” he said.

Despite the physical challenges, Linda says life is about adapting.

“Life has been different. I can no longer wear clothes with buttons or zips, but thankfully, there are many easy slip-on options available,” she says jokingly.

“As for household duties, I cook like usual but rely greatly on pre-cut variations of fruits and vegetables. Pair that with my hand-held blender, and I am unstoppable in the kitchen.”

Expenses
Physically and emotionally, the family is thriving.

However, the mounting medical costs cast a dark cloud over the family’s finances.

“The medical expenses for my care amounted to nearly R2.5m, with about R400 000 falling on our shoulders,” said Linda.

“We have had wonderful support from donors who contributed via our BackaBuddy campaign, and we hope the golf day will assist in lightening the load.”

Following a successful day on the greens, sponsors and participants of the golf day enjoyed a hearty meal followed by a foot-stomping performance by Fatman (Johan Brummer).

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