Secunda’s Ruhandre (2) diagnosed with cerebral palsy
Numerous tests were done and during this period, doctors diagnosed him with Cerebral Palsy and obstructive sleep apnea.
Smiling from ear to ear, with the smile reaching up into his friendly and alert eyes.
Ruhandre Opperman, a two-year-old from Secunda, displays a life of happiness and joy, despite being recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
This friendly little toddler was born at 24 weeks on November 4, 2020, and spent 201 days in the NICU. He was diagnosed at the time with chronic lung disease, Laryngomalacia, and severe reflux.
Ruhandre also has a Mickey feeding tube due to severe reflux and aspirations. He struggles with gaining weight as well.
He was admitted to Mediclinic Highveld in Trichardt early in December 2022 for an infection that led to adenoviral pneumonia and haemophilus influenza.
Ruhandre was then transferred to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital where he remained until December 15.
Numerous tests were done and during this period, doctors diagnosed him with cerebral palsy and obstructive sleep apnea. Ruhandre now also requires oxygen when he sleeps.
“The doctor said ‘not to beat around the bush but Ruhandre has cerebral palsy’. The extent of his condition is unknown at the moment as more tests have to be done,” said his mother Marlene Opperman.
Ruhandre will return to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in February for more tests. After that, he will be placed in a rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg for an unknown period.
The rehabilitation will also include physiotherapy and speech therapy. These are some of the therapies the toddler will need.
The Opperman home will also have to be equipped for Ruhandre with after-rehab mobility aids such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and braces.
Although Ruhandre is on medical aid, not all costs will be covered and shortfalls are payable by his parents.
As it is, Ruhandre’s Mickey which must be replaced every six months is done through donations by family and friends.
“He always smiles. There is not a day that he does not smile. He is very alert and recognises when we speak to him. He knows who are his brother, father and grandmother.
“In the aspect of his brain function, I do not think there is damage but we will not know until he has his MRI scan,” said Marlene.
She said he reacts when he is spoken to and makes sounds when he tries to communicate.
“He is our sunshine. He is our biggest blessing from God,” said Marlene.
A BackaBuddy fundraising campaign has been created for Ruhandre. Money raised will contribute to MRI scans, his daily oxygen, ongoing physio and speech therapy and equipment required at home to keep up mobility after rehab, the replacement of Mickey, travelling for his parents while he is in rehab and medication and medical costs required thereafter.
To support Ruhandre’s cause go to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ruhandre-opperman-5473317427822179047
