Local family makes emotional appeal for help

A LOCAL family has made an emotional appeal for help for their three year old son who needs a specialised wheelchair. Little Zack Stander’s case is particularly challenging for his parents Juan and Suné. Zack was born in October 2011 and experienced breathing problems at birth. At three months old, doctors realised he was blind.

However, the prognosis as to what caused his blindness has remained a mystery as doctors struggle to diagnose him. He also has neurological and developmental issues which prevent him from talking or walking. Zack had to use a standing frame from a young age as well as work with a physiotherapist. He is also autistic.

In an emotional interview with Northglen News last week, his parents revealed their heartbreak and daily struggles.

“It was a perfect pregnancy, the doctors didn’t pick up that anything was wrong. At six weeks we were concerned that he wasn’t recognising or following objects. The paediatrician suspected a brain tumour at the time.

“The hardest thing is not being able to find out what’s wrong with Zack. Physically he’s happy, but our biggest concern is what happens when we are not around. There are no words to describe how much we love him, but it’s heartbreaking to know that he will never be able to say it back to us. He recognises certain words like ‘food’ and ‘juice’, and phrases like ‘Give mommy a kiss’,” Suné said.

Besides using a frame to walk and stand, Zack has spent a large part of his childhood in prams, several of which he has now outgrown.

He is also looked after by his nanny, Janet Maphumulo, on a 24/7 basis. The plan now is to get him a specialised and adaptable wheelchair to help him, which will last Zack until he is 16.

His dad, Juan, said they had searched the whole world to find someone they could relate to with the same problems as Zack’s.

“We’ve been to some of the best doctors in South Africa and they can’t diagnose him. We’ve searched high and low on the internet to see if there was another family in similar circumstances,” Jean explained.

“Due to the high medical costs, we are both working full-time to makes ends meet and give him everything that he needs. He goes to a special school, and we can’t imagine not taking him to school. He loves listening to the other kids’ voices and he lights up our lives with his beautiful smile.”

The couple’s plea for help has not fallen on deaf ears, as Durban North resident and construction company (Chenin Construction) owner, Mike Otto, has decided to lend a helping hand.

Otto is organising a golf day at the Beachwood Golf Course to raise funds to help the family out. He has already pledged R10 000, and is challenging other companies to meet his target.

“Jean works as a foreman for me, and hearing his story just broke me. We were at Christmas lunch when I decided to do this for them. As first-time parents I can only imagine what Jean and Suné have to go through on a daily basis. So I decided to hold a golf day to help with Zack’s needs.

“My hope is that other businesses come forward to help and raise as much as possible for this amazing and resilient family,” Mike said.

Help Stander family

The golf day will be held on Thursday, 12 March at the Beachwood Country Club. Registrations close on 28 February. There will also be a prize-giving on the day. To book a tee-off time or sponsor a hole for the golf day, contact Dave on 082 492 1995 (office hours) or email info@wardevents.co.za, or enter online at www.wardevents.co.za.

Chenin Construction has also opened an account for residents and businesses to help.
Standard Bank (branch code 057 829), account number 053 463 455, reference Z Stander.