When volunteers discovered a family with three sons severely affected by cerebral palsy, a family living so remotely that their struggles were unseen, the encounter presented a moment of true human connection and intervention.
South Africa (28 July 2025) – The importance of charity outreach to underserved communities cannot be overstated, but it truly touches the soul when families who almost always fall under the radar are seen for the first time and finally receive the essential support they so desperately need.
One particular outreach by the Boikanyo The Dion Herson Foundation unfolded into a moment of significant intervention when volunteers discovered and met a family with three sons, all severely affected by cerebral palsy.
“No one knew this family existed. They live so far away from a hospital, they hadn’t been investigated, and now there were three of them,” the organisation shared.
The dedication of their mother, their sole caregiver, resonated deeply with volunteers, highlighting the immense burden she carried.
Boikanyo assisted the family with three new buggies (specialised wheelchairs), one carefully fitted for each boy, easing the physical strain on the mother and offering the boys a newfound sense of mobility and dignity.
“Their story is a reminder: disability can strike the whole household,” Boikanyo said.
With renewed purpose, Boikanyo, alongside The Paige Project and Rotary Club of Rosebank, is expanding its reach and will be embarking on yet another life-changing outreach from 31 July to 2 August.
“This time it’s to another province where we will bring desperately needed buggies to almost 100 children living with cerebral palsy, who have waited for years to finally get one.”
The Boikanyo team will be teaching local therapists how to renovate and recycle around 90 buggies. Every child will leave with their own custom-fitted buggy.
“These children suffer terribly as their bodies gradually become twisted and very painful.
“We see mothers/grandmothers carrying teenagers on their backs whilst they do their best to care for other children simultaneously. We step in and hand out buggies to as many children as possible.”
In an inspiring cycle of empathy, action, and hope, the team looks forward to changing lives and empowering families one buggy at a time.
Sources: Boikanyo The Dion Herson Foundation
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