The possibility that she may not raise the last R400 000 needed for her son’s life-changing surgery on 5 May is of great concern to Resegofetse Molale from Kuruman.
She has already paid the deposit of $10 000 to secure her son Phetogo’s surgery date at the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in Florida.
Phetogo will turn five in February.
The surgery, quoted at approximately R1,5 million, can only be performed in America and is urgently needed to repair Phetogo’s rare orthopedic condition called congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). Defined as a “false joint”, this condition is a break in the bone that fails to heal.
“Phetogo will start preoperative procedures on 21 April, two weeks prior to the surgery date,” Molale says.
South African surgeons suggested amputation as the best alternative for Phetogo’s leg, but Molale always wanted to afford him an opportunity to walk on both legs.
After intensive research she read about the institute and of Dr Dror Paley, who has been treating children with this condition for over 28 years. He has been able to achieve a 100% success rate.
When she came across a Drum article about a South African girl with the same condition who underwent surgery at Paley’s institute, her communication with the institute started.
She has since managed to raise R1,1 million for the surgery.
“Phetogo and I will have to be in Florida for three months, and accommodation is another challenge,” Molale says.
“We have accommodation in close proximity to the hospital, but don’t have funds to pay for that yet. They charge $40 per night, and only have an available room for the first half of our stay.
“I am trying to secure free accommodation with the Unlimbited Foundation, which helps families who go for medical procedures at Paley’s, but am still awaiting their response.”
She also has applied for the SARS S18 tax exemption certificate to issue to those who donate, but the application has not yet been finalised.
In the meantime, Phetogo is doing well at his crèche and a brace is helping to protect his leg. As he grows, however, his fibula is being pushed out by his broken tibia, almost cutting through his skin.
“While it is possible that we might not reach the target in time, I believe there are people who can help to get Phetogo his life-changing surgery.”
- Donations can be made into the bank account of the non-profit organisation Phetogo Molale Foundation: Help A Child Walk, or on the crowdfunding page BackaBuddy. Interested parties can also visit the social media platforms (Help Phetogo Walk) or dial 079-718-2817.
