From a distance, nine-month-old Phenyo Moropa is a normal baby girl but as you come close, you realise that her right leg is curled up and not as normal as it should be.
Baby Phenyo was diagnosed with a rare disease at birth that affects one in a million babies in the world. Born in March this year, her parents were told that she suffers from the extremely rare congenital limb deficiency known as tibial hemimelia. This means that the tibia in her right leg is missing.
As if this was not devastating enough to her parents, Tshepo and Moipone Moropa, the Midrand family was informed that there was no treatment available in South Africa and doctors offered amputation as the only solution for her – threatening Phenyo’s chances of growing up as a normal girl.
Her parents, however, did not give up the hope of saving their little girl’s leg and seeing her running around like other children do. They went overseas to seek answers and assistance from doctors and specialists in the United States of America.
“We were completely heartbroken, but we didn’t give up. My wife and I did some research and found a doctor in the USA. Our daughter will need three surgeries and rehabilitation at a cost of $146 000, [over R2 million]. We’re asking for prayers and support but, most of all, for donations to assist us with the medical bills needed to pay for this costly procedure and travel expenses from South Africa to Florida, as well as our stay for eight to nine weeks in West Palm Beach, Florida. Any small amount will have such a great impact on our daughter’s life,” pleaded her father, Tshepo.
The Moropas have set up a website getpwalking.org.za and are in the process of launching the Phenyo Moropa Foundation trust to assist with getting as many donations for the little girl’s medical procedure as they can. “It will be registered as a public benefit organisation so that other kids can benefit from the fund in future,” added Tshepo.
A letter from the Paley Institute in Florida confirmed little Phenyo’s diagnosis and stated that her chances of walking with her two legs would be to be treated at the institute.
“This treatment is very complicated and is strategically staged to correct the deformity while achieving equal leg length,” reads the letter. It was further written that Phenyo would have to undergo a seven-stage treatment procedure in which, at first, she would be hospitalised for about three days and then be placed at Quantum House, which is a hostel on the campus of the hospital where costs are cheaper than a hotel. She would then be required to go to the hospital every two weeks for further treatment.
“If we can reach 146 000 people who are willing to part with R20 we’ll be able to meet the goal of raising this money to help Phenyo walk. Please help our daughter keep her leg. We also ask if everyone could please share this with friends, family, colleagues and business partners who may be able to assist,” he further pleaded.
Detials: To assist the family or for further information on donating towards medical costs visit www.youcaring.com and search for ‘Help Save Phenyo’s Leg, help her to walk – Tibial Hemimelia. Or contact the Moropas on 083 642 4156/083 2661 431
Tweet us @MidrandReporter
