Five-year-old, Malachi Vermeulen, was like any other little boy, full of life and very energetic. His life, however, took a drastic turn last year just days before his fourth birthday. Malachi complained of severe headaches which soon left him in a comatose state. He was taken to Netcare Kingsway Hospital and after he was admitted to Netcare Umhlanga where he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis that left him incapable of doing anything except to breath. After almost five months of being in a coma, he slowly regained consciousness and started to be his normal self again. Malachi was discharged from the hospital in September last year and is currently in remission.
“Through prayers and God’s amazing grace, he started walking and making sounds. His capabilities is now that of a baby and he has to relearn everything,” said his mother, Amanda.
She described him as an outgoing, loud, bubbly, persistent and determined child. Despite being unable to speak, the progress that he has made in a short period of time has been remarkable.
“Emotionally its been hell. He fell sick in March and when he was admitted to Umhlanga, he was in a comatose state and only one parent was allowed. I was unable to see him for six months. There were many days of crying, but without the grace of God, we would not have managed. We are glad things have changed for the better now. Financially we are not managing at all. We are on a medical aid plan, but that only covers hospitalisation. We are responsible to pay for his medication and treatment. It’s been a huge financial strain on us.”
His parents turned to Wanderers Haven for assistance recently and after a few sessions at the organisation, they have become part of the family. “Malachi is filled with so much love and energy,” said co-founder of the organisation, Johnny Swanepoel. His parents appeal to the community for assistance for medical costs and specialised treatment.
“He desperately needs speech and occupational therapy. Although he can do certain things for himself, he needs a professional care worker to assist him. He communicates through non-verbal cues at the moment. With speech therapy we are hopeful that he will learn how to communicate effectively. Without proper treatment, it is possible that he could relapse.”
To assist the family call, 081-587-1821 or 084-222-1819.
