Aurwin Philander was born in 2018 with a foot turned inwards. His mother, Robin, was referred by their paediatrician to the clubfoot clinic at Maitland Cottage Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital which is in Cape Town and one of our partner clinics.
“On our first visit I remember that during the casting, my son was crying and so was I! I felt so helpless,” says Robin. “But every Friday, we came to the clinic, and the doctors would redo the cast. Every week I noticed an improvement and with each week, everything got easier.”
When Aurwin’s casting stage was completed, he moved onto the maintenance phase and was fitted with a clubfoot brace to wear while sleeping. Says Robin: “The boots and bar never stopped his development. When he was 4 months he stood up and he was crawling at 6 months.”
Although Aurwin did go through a stage at night when he did not want to wear his brace anymore, Robin stuck with it. She says that she knew that if he didn’t wear the boots that he could become disabled and she didn’t want him to be made fun of or stand out as different.
Aurwin has now completed his treatment and he no longer needs to wear his brace at night. Steps presented him with our graduation certificate to celebrate the end of his four year treatment. Well done to Robin and Aurwin. Your story is inspirational to many parents who are sharing the same journey.
Robin’s advice to parents with a child born with clubfoot: “Don’t give up! Maitland Cottage clubfoot clinic had the most caring and best staff. They will help you walk the process.”
She concludes Aurwin’s story with: “I am elated. I will keep his graduation certificate forever. It is very special. We came through the struggle.”
