Members of the Sector 4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) recently held a paintball game fundraiser for Alexis (Lexi) Botha, a three-year-old girl with autism.
From the moment the patrollers arrived at the DNA paintball field in Hobby Park, Rangeview, positive energy swooped over the fields. The members were all dressed in camouflage outfits, and their excitement was tangible. Eager to get their guns, they lined up at the makeshift storage container. After getting their guns they moved onto the field. The tires were already splattered with paint from previous paintballing events.
Photo: Submitted.
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The field marshal counted down and off they went, covering the field with crossfire. The two teams – yellow and black, were enemies on the paintball field, shooting vigorously at each other. One black team member got a dead shot to the neck. Another screamed as he was hit on the fingers. Suddenly it became quiet. For a single moment, the dust settled and the yellow team walked away as victors.
See video here:
Off the field however, it was an entirely different story. The two teams became one, and their common goal became apparent. They were there to raise funds to cover Lexi’s medical bills, which amount to R20 000 per month. Jacques Botha, a CPF patroller and Lexi’s father says the medical bills he has to pay are one of his biggest worries.
“Lexi’s medicine and therapy is incredibly helpful and she has already begun showing some improvement in social skills, however, it’s a huge financial burden and the medical aid covers only so much,” said Jacques.
Photo: Submitted.
“Lexi was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and has been in therapy for a year now. With a combination of Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy and Biomedical Intervention, Lexi has made huge progress,” he continued.
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that affects one in 52 children. With the the correct intervention, it is treatable and recovery is possible.“These funds will help Lexi stay in therapy and for that we are eternally thankful.” Jacques is a volunteer CPF patroller and said that the Sector 4 patrollers have become his extended family.
“Lexi is a beautiful, energetic, intelligent and entertaining little girl who has crept into the hearts of the CPF. As parents, we have received amazing support from our family, friends, and the CPF. Without all the help we have received, we would not be able to keep Lexi in therapy, and she would not be progressing as she is,” said Jacques.
“Having a child with autism can be challenging, but Lexi works so hard and makes us so proud. We celebrate her every victory and hope for recovery one day. As parents we will fight for our daughter’s recovery and will continue to host fundraisers.”
He remains positive and says that it is worth fighting for his perfect little girl.
The CPF said they were happy to help the family through their difficult time. “Our patrollers offer up so much of their time and money to volunteer for us,” said Rose Menezes, spokesperson for the CPF. “We are happy to return the favour. We need to take care of and give back to our community.”
To see more photos of the event click here.
There will be another fundraiser for Lexi on 25 April at Sportcon in Monument. Visit Lexi’s Facebook page for more information.
You to can help Lexi continue to make progress by making a donation to the Lexi Fund. The banking details are: Account name: Alexis L Botha; Bank: FNB; Account Number: 625 937 622 58; Branch Code: 256955; Reference: Your Name.
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