UPDATE: WATCH – Alberton Primary learner receives her new artificial leg

BLESSING Simelane will now be able to wear trousers, which was one of her biggest dreams, thanks to an Albertonian who made her dream come true.

When the RECORD told Simelane’s story, it touched the heart of a concerned Albertonian who came to her aid.

The 12-year-old Alberton Primary learner was born with a deformed right leg and appealed to the community to help her get a prosthetic leg.

For Simelane and her single mother, Ageh Ufeneck, getting her story out there was a blessing. The good Samaritan, who wishes not to be named, picked up on the story and decided to help.

She started doing her research and reached out to the RECORD to put her into contact with Simelane and her mother.

The woman assisted the young girl financially, as well as with transport for check-ups and visits to the doctor to have her deformed leg examined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On her way

In August, she introduced Simelane and her mother to Johan Snyders, a prosthetist who is also the chief executive of Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics in Pretoria.

Snyders assessed Simelane and confirmed that she did not need an amputation. Instead, he suggested that another prosthetic leg be made for the youngster.

To give her peace of mind, he also showed Simelane many other children he was helping and had helped in the past, who are in similar situations.

Snyders and his team prepared a cast of Simelane’s leg and later got her to fit her new artificial leg on September 20.

Through Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics, Snyders does help children, but the robotics and prosthetics are said to cost a fortune. Icexpress uses cutting-edge techniques to get users mobile, rehabilitated and functional as soon as possible while providing ongoing support, counselling and care for them.

Prosthetist’s advice

Snyders strongly recommended that Simelane lose some weight so her legs and hips don’t deteriorate further.

This, according to him, will help make it easier for her to walk on her prosthetic leg.

Among other requirements, Simelane ought to participate in their sporting events, where they encourage children to become more mobile and able, despite their physical challenges.

This way, via corporate sponsorship and subsidies, Snyders will help provide ongoing support for Simelane.

She is also expected to work hard and ace her academics.

Participation in sport

Simelane participated in her first sports session on August 31, at the Boksburg Athletics Club, with other physically challenged or amputee children.

She is to attend her next training on October 19.

Being the best on the pitch will enable Simelane to compete nationally and internationally with other teams.

Snyders grooms some of the children for the Para Olympics, as they grow and develop into aspiring athletes through participating in these sports events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heartfelt thanks

Ageh Ufeneck, Simelane’s mother, thanked the Albertonian for the help she graciously gave.

“I am really thankful and happy for the help I have received from all those who contributed immensely to helping my daughter.

“I am grateful to the family of my daughter’s friends, who saw the need to let the RECORD know about my child.

“If it was not for the Alberton resident who saw us through until this day, all this wouldn’t be possible,” said Ufeneck.

She said the new artificial leg was strong and that Simelane was adapting positively.

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