Tears of joy as gran finally gets wheelchair for granddaughter after 20-year wait

CHRIS Hani Park resident Miriam Rashole is finally able to wheel her 22-year-old granddaughter, Mpho Rashole, around after waiting 20 years for a wheelchair.

The wheelchair was handed over by the Association of People with Disabilities (APD) on June 30.

The secretary of the APD in the Frances Baard District, Dorothy-Anne Howitson, explained that the wheelchair had to be custom-designed, as Mpho is unable to sit upright due to spinal and multiple disabilities.

“Before we were able to source the wheelchair, we managed to get emergency medical services to assist Miriam as she was struggling to transport her granddaughter to the Galeshewe Day Hospital for medical treatment,” said Howitson.

She added that measurements for the wheelchair were taken about three to four years ago by the clinic, but the waiting list for assistive devices is extremely long.

“It took us a bit longer than we wanted, but with the help of donations and funds raised during Casual Day 2024, Douw Jacobs constructed what we’ve called a ‘quad cycle’ with a lala positioner, so that Mpho can lie down in the wheelchair. Dr Phillip Kennedy sponsored the steelwork needed for the wheels, and Dr Mogodi visited the family at home with an occupational therapist, who showed Miriam how to use the new wheelchair.

“It has different cushions to reduce strain on Mpho’s heart, lungs, and legs, and it’s much easier for Miriam to wheel her around. During the day, Mpho lies on a very thin mattress in the lounge, and she only weighs about 30 kilograms.”

Howitson noted that 79-year-old Miriam has been taking care of Mpho since she was two years old, following the death of her mother.

“Miriam was overwhelmed, and tears poured down her face as she has been battling for 20 years to get help. We are grateful to our sponsors, and that life can now be made a bit easier for Miriam and Mpho.”

She added that scarves, caps, and a duvet were also donated to the family.