A group of children with cerebral palsy and their mothers attended a year-end function at Maxi’s on 18 November. The children and their mothers were treated to lunch and clowns kept the children entertained.
The children also had their faces painted during the event.
According to Ms Msimangele Mkhabela, occupational therapist, they manage a cerebral palsy clinic and a support group at the Standerton Hospital once a month. She said the clinic begins in February and ends in November annually.
“We usually host the year-end function at the hospital and this is the first time away from the hospital.”
According to her, the therapists normally buy food and cake out of their own pockets for the functions.
“The event is aimed at thanking the mothers for their hard work and to encourage them and let them know that they are not alone.”
According to her, Mr Nico Botha, Maxi’s manager, suggested the venue for this year. Therapists transported children and mothers in their own cars on the day.
According to Mr Botha, it was going to do the mothers and the children some good being out of the hospital.
He said this is their way of giving back to community. Ms Sibongile Dube, mother, said it was nice to spend the day out of the hospital for a change. She also said the support group is helpful because they learn a lot during the sessions.
“Raising a disabled child is not easy, but my entire family is supportive,” she said. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development.
It primarily affects body movements and muscle coordination.
