Foundation asks you to lend an ear
LYNDHURST - Give an Ear Foundation appeals to the community to help provide Victor Nwadike, born with a congenital ear deformity, with reconstructive surgery.
Victor (6) has microtia, a congenital defect leaving the outer ear under-developed and, in Victor’s case, the ear canal sealed. Microtia occurs with degrees of severity, from slight malformation of the outer ear, to an absence of both outer ear and ear canal. The condition causes hearing deficiency and related speech defects, and in severe cases, a generalised distortion of the facial features.
According to Victor’s mother, Viola Ntokazi Nwadike, the condition occurs in one out of 7 000 children. Despite microtia’s well-recognised status, however, Viola left hospital following Victor’s birth knowing only that he could hear, lacking either a referral, or the vocabulary to describe her son’s disorder.
Extensive internet research revealed that microtia receives little attention in South Africa, and Viola resolved to found Give an Ear, not only to raise money for Victor’s expensive surgery, but to support other South African children born with microtia, as well as their mothers.
In January, Victor will undergo surgery to reconstruct his ear and open up his ear canal, courtesy of San Diego-based non-profit organisation, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Cartilage from Victor’s ribs will be used to construct and attach an outer ear, before an ear canal is opened. Months later, a skin graft will leave him with a functional outer and inner ear.
While Fresh Start will cover Victor’s surgery and local accommodation, Give an Ear must raise funds for travel to the United States. Despite this expense, however, Fresh Start remains the most cost-effective solution. According to Viola, the same surgery performed in South Africa, would cost more than R100 000.
Viola hopes to provide two more children with treatment next year, and to foster an ongoing relationship with Fresh Start, as well as working to provide treatment locally. A series of benefit concerts, and appeals for donations and sponsorship, are Viola’s first fund-raising efforts. With the community’s help, Give an Ear seeks to provide Victor and other children with the treatment they need.
Details: www.giveanearfoundation.org; 084 0903111; 011 4343990; viola@giveanearfoundation.org
