Double Amputee goes home for Christmas

After spending nine months in hospital for extensive rehabilitation following the amputation of his legs and hand, eight-year-old Owethu Chibure is finally home for Christmas.

 

Salsolburg born eight-year-old, Owethu Chibure, will be with his family for the festive season, after having spent nine months of extensive rehabilitation at a Johannesburg hospital.

Chibure’s father, Lazarus Chibure, said that his son’s condition had been difficult for the family, particularly as his recovery had taken so long.

The family had to travel from Sasolburg to Johannesburg which is almost 100km each way, every time they wanted to visit Owethu.

Lazarus said he was now “greatly looking forward” to having his son at home for the holidays and thanks staff at Netcare Rehabilitation and Netcare Garden City hospitals.

“He received a great deal of loving care at both facilities and their teamwork is to a large extent responsible for getting Owethu home to us once more.”

Owthu contracted meningococcal meningitis at the beginning of 2016, a rare but serious infection which causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.

“He suffered a life-threatening sepsis complication, doctors had to amputate both his legs below the knees, as well as his left hand and all of the fingers on his right hand.”

The little brave boy faces many challenges every day, but he manages to be independent.

owethu-chibure-amputee-2

After receiving lifesaving treatment at Netcare Garden City Hospital and many months of intensive therapy, Chibure is fully mobile, using the prosthetic limbs that have been custom made for him.

He is also having a ‘bionic’ myoelectric hand fitted, which will help him to perform such tasks as tying his shoelaces or typing on a computer.

Chibure’s doctor said in a statement by the hospital that it was abnormal for children to stay in the hospital for such a long period.

“Owethu is the longest staying paediatric patient we have ever cared for at the hospital,” said Dr Wilson.

“He is a truly remarkable boy; a real survivor who, thanks to his tenacity and bravery as well as committed support by his parents and appropriate medical care and rehabilitation, has succeeded in overcoming massive physical as well as emotional trauma.”

Dr Wilson said that it has by no means been an easy journey for the young man.

“Seeing him today, you would never believe that Owethu had undergone such a harrowing journey this past year. He has unbelievable vigour and spirit, and has been an inspiration to the doctors and staff at the hospital. We will all miss his wonderful energy,” Wilson said.


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Sources: News24 | Netcare Garden City Hospitals

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Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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