He is one of many with a disability, who completely refused to let it hold him back.<\/p>\n
There are thousands of stories about quadriplegics, amputees and mentally and physically disabled people who teach us a daily lesson by doing things we find excuses for.
\nAnd we can\u2019t get enough of their stories, we devour them shred for shred, we watch their motivational talks, and we cry when they cross the finish line.<\/p>\n
So here\u2019s another one.<\/p>\n
Samkelo Mlopo is 12 years old, he lives with his brother and mom, and he was born without a leg.<\/p>\n
Samkelo and his mother came into the office one day, seeking a little help. He took off his weathered old prosthesis, that he\u2019s been using for six years, and showed me his chaffed and bruised stump. His prosthesis is too short and too small, it stands at an angle and I can just imagine for myself how many problems it\u2019s causing.<\/p>\n
Samkelo spoke of how he dreams of playing soccer and he wants to be a doctor one day, but basic tasks, like walking, are causing him great pain.<\/p>\n
Also read: ‘I can’t run but I can dream’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n When\u00a0www.mobserver.co.za<\/b>\u00a0tried to help, every call was met with a shut door, \u201cHe\u2019s still too young, most organisations only help amputees who have stopped growing, it\u2019s just too expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n Until finally we meet the angels. The Jumping Kids<\/a> Foundation gave us a call, they wanted to meet him and they will help.<\/p>\n An appointment for Samkelo was secured for an assessment, to see if Jumping Kids<\/a> could mould a prosthesis for him, but their feedback was disheartening. https:\/\/twitter.com\/JumpingKidsSA\/status\/1096338515221274624<\/p>\n He needs to go for revision surgery and Jumping Kids<\/a> have referred him to the orthopaedic surgeon they work with, Dr Goller.<\/p>\n Samkelo and his mother need help with transport, accommodation and finances for the operation and the new prosthetic leg.<\/p>\n Jumping Kids<\/a> has a network which can assist but they need financial help. Before a prosthetic limb can even be considered, the revision phase can cost anything from R20 000 upwards. The costs involved for the limb will only be made known at a later stage. Anyone willing to make donations can transfer funds to the following account:<\/b> Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund<\/b> Nedbank<\/b> Acc: 1602417555<\/b> Branch code: 160245<\/b> Reference: Samkelo MOB including doner’s initials and surname\/company name.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Parents frustrated by a lack of space in Middelburg schools<\/a><\/p>\n Traffic officers to appear in court for corruption<\/a><\/p>\n #TrafficAlert: Two dead in Kranspoort accidents<\/a><\/p>\n VIDEO: Two perish after truck jack-knifes<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 Save our standby number (072 248 3855) and send us a WhatsApp message with the words \u201cAdd me\u201d to be added to our broadcast list.<\/p>\n \u2022 Like us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>, follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022 Subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nDue to years and years of using the ill-fitting prosthesis, Samkelo\u2019s stump has been severely affected.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/b><\/p>\nAlso read:<\/h3>\n
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