Born with 27 broken bones
When he was a newborn, a doctor explained that Ainslie had a rare case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 2 and that he was extremely fragile.
THE Du Preez family is asking locals to help their nine-year-old son, who was born with a rare case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 2 (brittle bone disease), which has made his bones extremely fragile since birth.
He now resides with his family in Haddon, South of Johannesburg, but when Ainslie Du Preez was born in Kimberley in 2008, he showed all the signs of being a Down Syndrome baby and his arms and legs were completely twisted.
When he was taken to the Galeshewe Day Clinic for X-rays as a newborn, a doctor explained that Ainslie had a very rare case of brittle bone disease and that he was extremely fragile.
“The X-rays showed that he had approximately 27 long and short bone fractures, which included broken ribs, and his skull presented wormian, meaning that his skull was broken,” said his mother Charlene.
“A doctor said Ainslie only had one more week to live due to the amount of fractures and severe pain, which explained his constant screaming. The doctor further explained if he made it through the first week, he would only live for a year because that was the normal lifespan of someone with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 2.
“The doctor got us an appointment with another doctor at the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein who was a genetics professor. The professor confirmed the things the first doctor explained but he was very determined to help Ainslie in any way he could.
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“After he spent many days in hospital, undergoing numerous tests while he continuously screamed and cried, I learned more about him and his condition. I learned how to take care of him because bathing and cleaning time was, and still is, a challenge. There was no doubt he would end up with fractures caused by me just caring for him. Excessive swelling and sweating is an indication that he has a fracture. I found that carrying him on a pillow helped us both,” said Charlene.
Turning point
The family relocated to Johannesburg last year August. Soon after that, Ainslie started school at Sunshine Centre in Eldorado Park, where he was assessed and referred to Frances Vorwerg School in 2017.
“While at Sunshine he participated in various activities that caused a rod in his left femur to shift up more, almost pushing through his skin. In November of the previous year, he had an operation at Baragwanath Hospital to correct it,” said Charlene.
Charlene explained that Ainslie is now progressing very well but the occupational therapist has done a series of tests that prove that he now needs an electric wheelchair. “As his mother I can see the difference in his energy levels now that he is in school. He is tired when he gets home and for at least two nights a week he will sleep from late afternoon till the next day. He loves cars, dancing, music and he is into gaming and is determined to be part of society.
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“We are busy raising funds for the electric wheelchair that Ainslie needs as prescribed by his occupational therapist. We approached BackaBuddy to help us create a fundraising web page where sponsors can make their donations to a link. I am thanking all sponsors, families and individuals in advance for any contributions.
Anybody who would like to assist can contact Charlene on 078 532 3108.
BackaBuddy Link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/electrical-wheelchair-for-ainslie
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