Mom struggles to provide for paralyzed down syndrome son (12)
VANDERBIJLPARK. - Kegan Holl is a much-loved down syndrome, paralyzed boy. He is well-known by the local community as this 12-year-old has had many ups and downs during his lifetime.
But one wouldn’t know this if you get to meet the little guy. On my arrival at their home, I am welcomed by mom Krystle with a friendly smile, and an enormous hug and kiss from Kegan.
Kegan’s bedroom has been altered to suite his special needs. His bed has been placed on the floor as he moves around the house by dragging himself across the floor. He had been watching television before I arrived and is eager to tell me about it, while holding his favoured action figure in one hand.
Despite the warm smiles, times are hard. Krystle gets a Sassa Grant for Kegan, but battles on a monthly basis to provide for his daily needs.
They are especially in need of adult diapers for Kegan.
The little guy is growing at a fast rate, becoming very heavy. Krystle finds it extremely difficult to pick him up and put him in the bath.
Their bathroom is very small. Krystle was wondering and hoping that there is perhaps a good Samaritan that will be able to remove the bath and install a shower.
* Should there be anyone who can assist them, please contact Krystle on 060 9353 619 or email krystleclaassen3@gmail.com
* Kegan was born sickly, always in and out of hospitals, and eventually diagnosed with Bronchial Pneumonia. At the age of 18 months, just as he was about to learn to walk, he became paralyzed. He was diagnosed with Germ Cell Cancer. This caused all the cushions between his spine to be eaten away, rendering him paralyzed.
Kegan went through numerous bouts of chemo and beat the odds. He is now cancer free.
After his mother and father separated years later, his father was killed in an accident.
