KZN Cerebral Palsy Association at risk of closure

THE KZN Cerebral Palsy Association (KZNCPA) is in dire financial straits and may have to close leaving 24 children and adults without care should it shut down.

Established in 1969, the KZN Cerebral Palsy Association has supported people with cerebral palsy and their families for the last 50 years.

The association receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from concerned individuals and businesses to do their vital work.

Centre manager, Paula van Eeden, said given the difficult financial position of the KZNCPA, it may be forced to close in the near future.

ALSO READ: Pinetown welfare hangs by a thin thread

“The sad part is that there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the reason we are so devastated that we may have to close our centres. The reality it that we have been existing from hand-to-mouth for a while now, trying all means of raising funds and we have come to the stage where we only have sufficient funds for a few more months,” said Van Eeden.

“The running of two, day-care centres for profoundly disabled children and adults is largely funded by the association which in turn relies heavily on donations. In these tough economic times, donors are reluctant to part with cash. Even the small amount from our iconic cerebral palsy dolls has diminished,” said Van Eeden.

She said there are many wonderful people and businesses who donate goods and services but they need money to keep their doors open.

“Parents, that can afford it, do contribute a nominal amount, for others sponsorship is sought.”

ALSO READ:  WATCH: Malvern children’s home teetering on brink of closure

The individuals in their care have extreme high-care needs and most can do little for themselves which the Highway Mail witnessed during its visit to the centre.

“The ratio of carer to member is one to three. It is ironic that we have a waiting list, indicating the demand, yet are facing closure. We have tried absolutely everything to find the necessary funds, but to no avail,” she said.

In a last ditch attempt to raise funds, the association is launching a 200 Club. To join this club contact Adéle van Vuuren on 031 700 2902.

Anyone able to assist with ideas or funding can contact Ina Borstlap on 031 700 3956 or 083 631 7777.

What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.

Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or pre-school years. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with abnormal reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or some combination of these.

People with cerebral palsy may have problems swallowing and commonly have eye muscle imbalance, in which the eyes don’t focus on the same object.

They may suffer a reduced range of motion at various joints of their bodies due to muscle stiffness. Some affected people can walk while others can’t.

Some people show normal or near-normal intellectual capacity, but others may have intellectual disabilities. Epilepsy, blindness or deafness also may be present.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.