GMA Extra: A new wheelchair for Lerato to keep her mobile

GMA EXTRA 29 AUGUST 2016 (LERATO 9 MARCH 2016)

After a concerned students' plight for a patient - she now has her wheelchair

BACKGROUND: In March this year, Good Morning Angels received an email from a student, Tebogo working at a state hospital in Tshwane. He was very concerned over a patient he had seen at the hospital. He did not know her, but could see that she was very sad and wrote her a note to find out what he could do to help. 

The patient, Lerato, had a condition that paralysed her bottom legs, which were amputated. She had a dream of becoming a lawyer, but had couldn’t finish matric due to her condition. Her family do not have the means to help her and it was a struggle to get by. He suggested that a specialised wheelchair would help Lerato get her mobility back, to enable her to finish her matric and further her dream to study law. The GMA Fund apportioned R50 000,00 towards helping Lerato with her mobility. We asked our good friends at Riaan van der Westhuizen Orthotists to consult with Lerato and they helped source a wheelchair that is light-weight, with special wheels and features, to enable her to use public transport and move in untarred terrain. Last week, Lerato got her new wheels. The balance of the donation would go towards helping her to finish her matric, when she is ready.

ORIGINAL REQUEST:

Dear The Complementary Breakfast, Jacaranda FM and Good morning Angeles. 

I'm writing a story that touched my heart.

The story is about a young girl who was in Hospital where I'm working as a Student (In-Service Training). I used to see her on a wheelchair and at times I thought she was fine until I decided to approach her and have a little chat with her. Her face seemed to be having a lot to tell, but i knew I had to approach her in the right way so she wouldn't feel down about my questioning as I know some don't want to be questioned about their situations and what lead to how they are. I decided to do the questioning via writing in a book, then I gave her the book so she'd answer while am not around. 

Lerato Matlangwe is her name and surname, she's from Soshanguve Block WW.  At home she's staying with her sister who's not employed and have a single parent (her Mom). She was admitted on the 17th of December 2015 and discharged on the 2nd March 2016. She had to resign where she was working after the tragedy. At these moment she'll have to rely on her parent due to her condition, her sister have kids to take care of. Even though her mom is working, there are things she might not afford for Lerato as she'll be needing much care at this moment.  She had a boyfriend before and he left her because of her condition (paralysed). She'll have to get used of her new life on a wheelchair. Her dream was to become the Best Lawyer but at this moment she's so disappointed as she can't accomplish her dream anymore. 

She said she needs a car so she can go wherever she wants but what I noticed about her is that she cannot drive since then she's on wheelchair. I thought of an Electronic Wheelchair as she's still can use her two hands properly.  And it's one of the thing that her mom can't afford.  It would be highly appreciated hearing from you. 

Thank you

Regards

T.E Mogotlane