Wheels4Life

Nxolo Thabete

Nxolo is a 17 year old girl with spinal muscle atrophy, a degenerative neurological condition that leads to muscle weakness and atrophy. Nxolo arrived at the Hope School at the beginning of the year being pushed around in a pram. They helped her to learn to steer an electric wheelchair and this has given her independence that she had never experienced. Due to her muscle weakness she has very poor posture. Ideally she should have a personally fitted electric chair with cushioning to support her spine. Children with SMA are at risk of lung infections due to an inablility to cough effectively and decreased lung space due to poor posture.

Nxolo is passing all her subjects in grade 8 and has been chosen to represent Central Guateng in Boccia at the Nedbank national games for the physically disabled. This is a boulles-like game for the very weak but it requires skill and aptitude to play.

Nxolo would benefit from a chair specifically designed to support her frame and give her the independence she deserves. Her family, though very active in her care, are unable to assist financially.

 Sandiso Magubane

Sandiso is a 7 year old girl. She has athetoid cerebral palsy which makes it very difficult for her to control her movements. She is currently in a buggy which is not supporting in the way she needs. Sandiso is always asking if she can ‘drive’ in physiotherapy, but due to lack of wheelchairs at school they have been unable to do this. Sandiso will benefit from having a motorised Sonabuggy which will support her properly as well as giving her some independence in her environment.

Tumi Mathibela

Tumi is a 10 year old boy who was born with spina bifida and is paralysed from the waist down. He requires a 16” wheelchair with a short seat and paediatric foot plates to accommodate his short legs. An individually assessed and measured chair will help prevent contractures and spinal deformities as he grows.

Kabelo Maseko

Kabelo is a 16 year old boy with muscular dystrophy. He is getting progressively weaker and requires an electric wheelchair to remain independent. He has an electric wheelchair at Hope School which suits his needs. However he would benefit from an electric wheelchair at home where he is totally reliant on help from family and friends to move about. Kabelo cannot move his arm from his lap to his head or even lift his legs. Muscular dystrophy is a degenerative neurological disease for which there is no cure. He is a bright young man who deserves to remain independent for as long as possible.