Adivhaho Netshiombo (Adi) was born with bilateral clubfoot and started Ponseti casting at 6 days old.
His mother Fatu says, “I was very shocked when I saw my son had these feet. I saw immediately after he was born. I’d never seen anything like that in my life. And I was already in my forties when he was born. I have three other kids that are grown up and have normal feet.
I thought it was because I was old and that was the reason for my son’s feet looking the way they did.
But when I came to the clubfoot clinic at George Mukhari Academic Hospital and the doctors and Ursula from Steps explained in detail what it was and the treatment, I was at ease. Also, coming here and seeing all sorts of people with children like mine made me feel a bit better. I was ready to start treatment and do whatever it took to make my child normal.
It wasn’t an easy journey for me though due to financial constraints. We come from Tshilindizni in Venda, and it’s a long distance from the clinic. So, when I come here I have to take a day off from work, and that affects me in a big way. But money or not, I made sure I did not miss an appointment and that I followed the treatment for my son’s sake. I am so happy with the results.
My advice to new moms is never miss an appointment, and do what you are told at the clinic. All will be good, I promise you.”
Stepping up to donate monthly to clubfoot support means that Steps can give children the encouragement and tools they need to complete the four treatment plan and achieve full mobility. Clubfoot support changes the trajectory of a child’s life.
