ALBERTON- After two years of suffering and pain, Brendon Macdonald (14) has ‘quite a bit of hope again’ as he puts it.
The Hoërskool Marais Viljoen learner started experiencing stomach pains three years ago and an x-ray revealed he had scoliosis. Brendon says the pain has increased since February 2014 and his quality of life has deteriorated dramatically. He has since been diagnosed with progressive scoliosis or severe curvature of the spine.
“I miss cycling up the steep hills in South Crest and fishing,” says Brendon with a far-away look in his eyes. His mother, Liza Long, says Brendon can’t bend anymore and stands on his knees to perform certain tasks.
Brendon started grade eight this year and could not take part in the activities on the grade eight camp. “I was bullied and ostracized because of it, but since the article the bullying has basically stopped,” adds Brendon.
Doctors have confirmed that Brendon’s spine will snap if he doesn’t have the operation and he will be confined to a wheelchair. Without medical intervention he will not reach 40 and his organs which are under severe pressure will collapse. Liza says that physiotherapy, and other treatments didn’t help at all. “As a matter of fact it worsened his condition,” she says.
Brendon is overwhelmed by the support from the community thus far. “He can’t believe that so many people have shown so much support and love. It has changed him and even if he doesn’t have the operation, we have experienced something miraculous already and Brendon is a changed young man,” says Liza. The mother and son urge people going through tough times, to never give up and not to lose hope.
Also read: Brendon and his family extends a big thank you to the community
The family organised a cycling day with DOC Mountain Bikers and The Circus Coffee Shop. Thanks to the many people who pitched in to make the day a success, the family was able to pay the doctor for Brendon’s operation. Another source of help has been Chantel Feuth, a teacher at the school, who has raised awareness among the pupils and together they have raised R5 000. The hospital fees of R158 665, however, still needs to be paid before the operation can be done.
Also read: Play in Brendon’s Golf day for free
Donations can be paid directly into the Life Faerie Glen Hospital’s account: Life Faerie Glen Hospital, FNB, Mayville, branch code 255005, cheque account number 509 807 32629, reference number is 7042522 MacDonald.
Proof of donations must be sent to Tibbie Odendaal, the admissions administrator at the hospital either by fax + 27 12 361 1373, electronic fax + 27 86 679 6053 or email tibbie.odendaal@lifehealthcare.co.za
For more information contact Liza on 072 766 3464.
