Vodacom brings hope to accident survivor

Today, thanks to a timely donation of R273 000 from the Vodacom Foundation and the result of microsurgery by South African specialist surgeons, Prof Theo le Roux and Dr Franz Birkholtz, Kennedy has regained substantial movement in his arm.

Microsurgery involves operating with a microscope so that the surgeons can identify tiny blood vessels and nerves which they can subsequently re-attach. This procedure increases the possibility of the patient regaining feeling and even movement in the damaged body part. The main procedure involved transferring a bone flap from his lower leg to reconstruct the skeletal support in his forearm.

In Kennedy's situation, he will eventually be able to use his arm for support only - a far cry from the helpless limb it would have been without the reconstructive surgery.

His joy at regaining the limited use of his right arm was clear to all the invited guests at a special farewell party held today for him at Opikopi Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The 11-year old was warm in his acknowledgement of the key role players in his recovery, who attended the occasion and wished him and his mother, Antoinette, prosperity for the future.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, CEO of the Vodacom Foundation, said: “Helping Kennedy is a small illustration of how we try to reach out to the communities in the countries in which we operate in order to improve and uplift the quality of the lives of many people. We are also pleased that we are able to provide him with occupational therapy so that he can now write with his left hand.”

The specialist surgery required was not available in the DRC. As a result, Kennedy and his mother came to live in South Africa since September 2008. The process of his treatment began in March last year.

The relationship between Kennedy and the surgeons began in March last year when Prof le Roux visited Kennedy in the DRC to assess his condition.

Staff of the Vodacom Foundation, Netcare, which sponsored the hospitalisation, the surgeons, the owners of Opikopi Guesthouse, staff from the Pretoria East Hospital, South African National Blood Service (SANBS), and the Smile Foundation brought closure to this chapter of Kennedy's life by conveying their best wishes and also turning what could have been a tragic situation, into a happy one.

Palesa Chabula
Executive Head: Corporate Communications
Sponsorships, Foundation and Customer Centricity
Vodacom Group (Pty) Ltd
Tel: 011 653 5661
Cell: 082 997 1677
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