In an altruistic effort to raise R60 000 for an eye gaze system for 9-year old quadriplegic girl, Ciska Klein, the Stellenbosch community participated in a 5km and 10km fun run at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve on Sunday.
The system equips people with a disability to control a computer system with their eyes and gives them a form of independence.
Participants paying their R50 entrance for the fun run towards the eye gaze system for Ciska Klein. Many made extra donations. PHOTO: Cally Ballack
In March last year, Klein, who was 8 years old at the time, and her sister were helping someone cross the road near their home. Simultaneously, a car drove past and ended up hitting Klein. The incident resulted in Klein breaking her neck between her C4 and C5 spinal cord vertebrae.
“She was taken to Red Cross Hospital and they thought she wasn’t going to make it and a few days later she woke up but lost the use of her arms and legs. She is on a permanent ventilator as she can’t breathe on her own, her diaphragm doesn’t work,” explained Ria Wagner, who is Klein’s school facilitator.
Klein is a grade 2 pupil at Paarl School which is a special needs school which supports and assists children with disabilities to reach their full potential.
“I am her arms and legs at school, and she is the brain,” Wagner went on to say.
Wagner was the event organiser and explained that funding for Ciska’s vital equipment is something she is passionate about raising as “her [Ciska Klein] mom and dad are farm workers who live off a minimum wage”, and fund raising has been the only financial assistance in acquiring the necessary equipment.
Joggers warming up before starting the 5km or 10km fun run in Jonerkshoek Nature Reserve. PHOTO: Cally Ballack
“Ria really is the purest person, she is not doing this for her own benefit, and it is all about Ciska. After the stories Ria told me about Ciska and how strong she is, I really wanted to meet Ciska, but Ria said that obviously wouldn’t work today,” explained Mari Hanekom (22), SRC member and friend of Wagner. Klein was unfortunately unable to attend on the day, and her parents were unable to give comment.
A total of R11 000 was raised at the event, which will contribute towards purchasing the eye gaze system that will enable Klein to gain independence in the classroom by completing her school work through controlling the system with her eyes.
Infographic showing the amount of money raised at the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve fun run towards the eye gazer system for Ciska Klein.
“Everyone came out to show their support more than anything. I even saw a girl participating in an electric wheelchair and that was so great to see! Seeing all these people come together on a Sunday morning was amazing,” explained Jack Perret (22), a Stellenbosch University PGCE Student who participated in the fun run. – Cally Ballack
A video showing joggers participating in the fun run on a chilly Sunday morning in Jonkershoek.
If you would like to donate towards the eye gaze system for Ciska Klein, the banking details are as follows:
Kenridge Primary School
ABSA Current Account
Account Number: 1410149490
Branch Code: 632005
Reference: StoryBox HULPFONDS