Spreading the word and inspiring

Sandton-based Oscar von Memerty has become well known in the entertainment industry as a hip-hop dancer and a prankster on MTV’s series You Got Got.

However, behind all of his success is a story of his battle with a rare disease called mucopolysaccharidosis 6 (MPS 6) which has given him years of health-related issues.

On 28 May, Von Memerty had the daunting task of sharing his story with paediatricians and paediatric neurologists. This event, held in Pretoria, was a workshop on metabolic disorders organised by The Paediatric Neuro Development Association of South Africa (Panda SA). The aim of Von Memerty’s talk was to demonstrate a patient’s perspective to the experts.

“I did a 30-minute presentation of motivational speaking. I started with sharing my personal story of medical procedures I went through, the difficulties of having to face that I was different to everybody else and my personal journey that I have taken to get to the successes that I have accomplished so far,” he said.

To enhance his presentation and inspire the attendees, he used his talent as a hip-hop dancer. “I then performed a minute-and-a-half of high-energy hip-hop. To end off the presentation, I presented my key messages that I have learnt from my story and journey.”

He shared his secrets on living with a debilitating rare disease and believes that ‘the power of perception’ is exceptionally significant in coping with illness. “I managed to change my biggest disadvantage to my biggest advantage, the power of having a passion alongside a vision is extremely powerful.”

Von Memerty was filled with pride when he received a standing ovation from the enthused audience. Even though he did not study medicine, his real-life experiences with MPS 6 have made him an inspiration to both medical professionals and those with rare diseases.

Details: 083 985 0847.

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