“I feel like such a failure as a father, and would do everything to give him a normal and happy life.”
These are the words of Rashied Hartley whose son, Fayzaan was born with mild cerebral palsy (CP).
“Fayzaan is now eight years old, and because of the CP, he is paralysed primarily on the right side of his body. I have to bath and dress him. He has a club foot and cannot use his right hand properly,” he explained.
CP is a neurological condition usually caused by a brain injury or brain abnormality that interferes with the brain cells responsible for controlling muscle tone, strength and coordination. The primary effect of CP is impairment of muscle tone, gross and fine motor functions, balance, control, coordination, reflexes and posture.
According to Rashied, Fayzaan is battling to walk properly, and often sustains cuts under the toes of his right foot. “I try to make it easier for him by mostly carrying him on my back,” he said.
Rashied explained that Fayzaan can be helped to walk properly through an operation to lengthen the Achilles tendon in his right foot. Fayzaan is unable to hold onto objects with his right hand but according to Rashied, this can be changed with physiotherapy.
But, unfortunately, Rashied is currently unemployed, and he does not know how he will be able to help his son. “I do not know what to do; it would mean the world to me to help him and see him running and playing with his friends. He is also not attending school currently, because I cannot afford it. I am appealing to the community to find it in their hearts to help us,” said an emotional Rashied.
For more information, Rashied can be contacted on 083 446 8661 or via email at rashied.hartley33@gmail.com.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
