Rare disorder no match for Zainab
Despite suffering a debilitating condition, local matric student, Zainab Mohammed (18) received an excellent report card when the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results were announced this morning.
Zainab, who was a student at Springs Muslim School, received six distinctions in the NSC exams despite suffering from Marfan Syndrom.
This is a rare genetic disorder which affects the body’s connective tissue, heart, eyes, muscles, bones and skin.
Despite this, she received six distinctions in English, mathematics, physical science, life science, accounting and life orientation,
“Matric was challenging for me as fatigue is a major symptom of Marfan Syndrome,” says Zainab.
“I am lucky to be here,”she adds
In 2010 Zainab had to have an operation to insert rods into her spine, which left her unable to carry anything heavy.
In a bid to help ease her load, staff at Springs Muslim School arranged for assistants to help carry her school bag.
Her proud mother, Fatima Mohammed thanks the school for being so accommodating towards Zainab regarding her condition.
The matriculant has been accepted to Wits University where she will study towards a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in physics or mathematics.
“I persisted and did not let Marfan Syndrome get me down.
“I woke up at 3am to study and with the help of my parents, I just persevered through my final exams,” says Zainab.
Springs Muslim School principle Mr Suliman Ismail says,”Zainab should be an example to other students, she overcame her obstacles and her results are outstanding.”
