AN eMdloti family have opened up about their hope for their son, Jackson Roberts (2), and the love shown by complete strangers to help him.
In June last year, Jackson was diagnosed with Microcephaly, Partial Lissencephaly, Polymicrogyria, Cerebal Palsy, Dysphagia and Severe Hypotonia. He suffered from an abnormal brain development that occurred when he was in the womb.
This affects his gross, fine motor and social skills and the way he eats.
On a weekly basis the youngster goes through one hour of occupational therapy, four hours of physical therapy, two hours of speech and feeding therapy. He also swims twice a week and has two 30-minute massages per week by a professional, to stimulate his muscles.
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His parents, Nic and Jade Roberts said they have been blown away by the generosity shown by complete strangers since they appealed for help.
“It makes you quite emotional seeing how complete strangers have come together and shown love for Jackson. We would never be able to do this alone. Just this weekend, the Hillcrest Villagers’ Rugby Club hosted a fundraiser in Jackson’s name and it was just a profound feeling having the amazing support. Since Jackson’s diagnosis it has been an emotional rollercoaster. We weren’t sure what doors to knock on for help and you feel quite hopeless really. Just to know that there are people rallying behind us is incredibly touching. My wife, Jade, has been incredible. She has given up her job to look after Jackson. If it wasn’t for her or the therapists helping, things would’ve been different,” said an emotional Nic.
They have set up a BackaBuddy page to help with Jackson’s medical bills and have appealed to the Durban community for help.
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“We’ve been through every emotion possible since Jackson’s diagnosis. As parents you want to give your child everything they need and a quality of life they deserve. We didn’t know which way to turn after his diagnosis and our faith and the love shown by those around us has really lifted us,” Jade said. “It is heartening to see how Jackson fights each day, reaching new milestones. Our daughter, Lila, has been absolutely amazing with Jackson and I feel she has also helped him on his journey.
You can read more about Jackson’s journey here or visit Jackson’s BackaBuddy page.
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