The compassion of a group of doctors, a supportive school community and a 13-year-old boy’s inner strength set in motion the most heartwarming journey, which afforded him the chance to walk again after a diagnosis that confined him to a wheelchair.
Gqeberha, South Africa (29 April 2025) – A diplegic cerebral palsy diagnosis sought to deprive a young boy of the ability to walk. But his unshakeable spirit shone through as caring medical professionals united to give him a chance to overcome what seemed impossible and take steps toward full recovery.
Thirteen-year-old Soyama Vena became fully reliant on a wheelchair when his condition worsened into his adolescent years, taking away his freedom and mobility.
When the young boy’s case was first brought forward by selfless doctors to Netcare Limited’s Emergency Trauma Transplant unit, it set off a chain reaction of collaboration and participation, with life-changing results.
During one of their regular pro bono visits to Soyama’s special needs school, Cape Recife High School, a pair of dedicated doctors from Gauteng assessed Soyama’s condition and agreed that he was an ideal candidate for a medical procedure to restore his ability to walk.
Offering their time and skills free of charge for his operation, the doctors and the school reached out to secure the funding to get Soyama to Pretoria for this life-changing intervention.
Soyama received a complex operation to address numerous complications affecting his hips, legs and feet – paving the way for him to embrace the active life he had always longed for.
According to the hospital group, Soyama’s dreams of walking again have been restored as he recently took his first steps after the operation. His mother, Boniswa Vena, remarked that he is standing taller than ever, both in body and spirit!
Boniswa added that while she knew it would not be an easy road ahead, the experience has given Soyama a new sense of hope for the future.
“I cannot thank everyone enough, from all those who contributed to the fundraising to the doctors, the hospital, and the wonderful staff. I never expected the kind of support we received, and Soyama and I are so thankful,” she said.
Sources: Netcare Limited
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