LITTLE Barend Botha (2), from New Germany, has spent most of his life in a hospital, receiving constant treatment and examination, but has managed to radiate positivity wherever he goes.
Barend suffers from perinatal asphyxia, a condition caused by severe oxygen deprivation. When a new-born infant is deprived of oxygen for an extended period during birth it could cause physical harm to the infant. In many cases, like Barend’s, the brain is affected and the infant develops a neurologic condition.
The brain injury he suffered at birth caused a secondary condition, known as cerebral palsy hemiplegia. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that refers to non-progressive motor impairment syndromes, caused by lesions or anomalies of the brain, which often affects the movement or posture of the patient. Hemiplegia refers to the paralysis of one side of the body (which is also, in most cases caused by injury to the brain). Barend cannot walk properly, due to an impaired leg, and has not begun talking, despite the fact that he will celebrate his third birthday in September.
“He was born prematurely at 28 weeks. He had to stay in the hospital for two months, during which he had to receive three blood transfusions, and he nearly died twice, because he experienced bleeding on the brain and in his tummy. Since he was discharged he had to receive two additional blood transfusions, and a previous unsuccessful surgery to improve an impairment of his left leg. He has been in and out of the hospital, and is sick on a regular basis. It has been difficult, but we have been blessed to have him in our lives,” said Belinda.
Barend’s condition has forced Belinda to quit her job, and has exhausted their medical funds. “Because he got sick so often it became increasingly difficult for me to take leave to take him to the doctor and care for him. His operations, physiotherapy and medications have been expensive,” said Belinda.
If he does not receive the corrective surgery, which will cost R49 000, his ability to walk will deteriorate. The Bothas face a nearly impossible challenge, but are determined to help provide Barend with a normal life. “He loves to run and be outdoors. It breaks my heart to see that there are things that he struggles to do, or is unable to do, because of his condition. We don’t want to ask people for help, but we have reached a point were we don’t have the option,” said Belinda.
Fourways Spar in New Germany has offered to help the Bothas with their fundraising endeavour. According to Dwaine Hohne, the manager, Spar will be donating some funds towards the cause and have provided Belinda with the space to set up a stall and collect donations from the community.
Contact Belinda on 082 302 9650.
