Rainbow smiles for all

Patients at the Life Riverfield Lodge rehabilitation unit forgot about all their problems and pain on spring day. It was a day of laughter, fun activities and a lot of colour which they enjoyed with Riverfield staff members.

The theme for this special day was ‘colour in diversity’ and the patients and staff started the day by singing the national anthem in full force.

Glynis Krebser, marketing manager at the rehabilitation unit, said spring day reminded everyone about the joys of life and the gift of giving.

Krebser shared the inspiring story of Vusi Thembe, a young patient at the unit who couldn’t speak or stand without assistance after a horrific car accident a few months ago. Vusi’s recovery has been so remarkable that he can now get out of his wheelchair without any assistance. He also walks with a walking aid, which he couldn’t do a few months ago. According to Krebser, this is nothing short of a miracle.

Krebser explained how excited the staff were to host this day of fun for their patients. Both the adults and children enjoyed activities like wheelchair races, basketball, mini golf, croquet, bingo, thirty seconds and art and crafts.

“These activities [which] seem easy to someone who is healthy and has full functionality of their bodies [can be] challenging for the patients but also very good for their morale,” said Krebser. The unit’s staff doused the patients with paint powder after they enjoyed all the exciting activities. After hours of laughter and fun, the staff and patients enjoyed a delicious lunch.

The grand finale was the prizegiving ceremony where each patient received an award for their participation. Krebser described it as the perfect end to a perfect day.

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