FORMER Oakridge College pupil Keith Slabbert has returned from Project Walk in the US, following a six-week programme.
Almost two years ago, Slabbert suffered a seizure in bed which led to him fracturing his C4 cervical disc, resulting in his paralyses.
Earlier this year Northglen News featured a story on Chelsea pupil Tasmin van Straaten swimming 100 laps of her school’s pool to raise funds for Keith’s trip to America.
The Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre provides an improved quality of life for people with disabilities through activity-based recovery, education, research and development. The project uses electrical stimulation, along with physical work to try get the message through to the damaged areas to stimulate the nerves.
Keith said the trip and being in the US had been awesome.
“I didn’t get any major recovery, but I have gained feeling and strength in my core. I also received a home programme from Project Walk and my caregiver, Delani helps me with these exercises for two hours a day three times a week. I go to a therapist for one hour a week who has a Tranceiva machine which pumps the muscles
“I am not able to pump, and another therapist has a machine called the RT600 which has electro pads which are stuck on muscles. I am hoisted upright as if I am walking. It is good to be out of my chair and up again! This is a good cardio workout and increases blood flow,” said Keith.
He said the environment at Project Walk had been uplifting and it was great to see how independent people in his position could be.
“There were so many stories as well. I wish I had had more time there, but I am grateful that I had the opportunity. I thank everyone who was involved in getting me there, and wish everyone in my position could go,” he said.
Delani Doncabe said he was proud of Keith for the hard work he put in at Project Walk.
“This was a once in a lifetime experience for him, and it was a full-on three hours of gym each day, which was a drastic change from what we did before we left. I am pleased he has gained core and arm strength, and we realise there is no limit to how far we can stretch it.
“We were a bit nervous before as we didn’t know how fragile Keith was, but we have learnt a lot and know what we have to do to gain his strength. I feel if Keith had had more time he would’ve achieved more,” he said.
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