Caring for a child with cerebral palsy: The support that helped a Gauteng mother cope

Health-e News Caring for a child with cerebral palsy: The support that helped a Gauteng mother cope If there is a statement that still haunts Llona Makhubedu, it is: “Switch off the machine.” Eighteen years ago, her first-born son, Paballo Makhubedu could not breathe on his own after his birth and was placed on life support.

Llona recalls that doctors asked her to consent to withdrawing life support, but she refused.

“I can’t put an end to my first seed.

If it happens that he passes away, let it be through the will of the Lord,” she said.

Paballo survived.

This month he turned 18.

Paballo was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is non-verbal.

Today he attends boarding school at the Boikanyo Disability Centre in Leboneng near Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.

Llona says he communicates using sign language, and that after years of caring for him, she has also learnt to understand him by reading his lips.

“Paballo’s situation is now fine, he’s a happy child who attends his schooling at Boikanyo Disability Centre.

He enjoys outings most of all, especially where there’s water,” Llona tells Health-e News.

Llona wants to share their story to show what is possible for a child with cerebral palsy and their caregiver when public healthcare, psychosocial, educational and family support are in place.

But she acknowledges that even with support, it has been a difficult journey.

A difficult start Llona remembers Paballo’s birth at Refentse Clinic in Stinkwater as traumatic.