Cape Town When Nosphiwo Queeneth Gum gave birth to her daughter at 17, she could have hardly realised that one day she would be forced to say goodbye forever. And that she would emerge stronger, no longer frightened about death, and able to help other youths with difficult life choices. It was not long after little Simamkele was born in 2003 that doctors revealed she had Cerebral Palsy, a disorder that affects movement, motor skills and muscle tone. - Health24: Cerebral Palsy I thought: is that a boys name? They took her to hospital, did tests, and it was just a scary thing for me because I didnt know what was happening, the now 30-year-old said on Tuesday. She felt she had two choices either stressing about it or accepting it. I realised that after everything, as young as I was, she is my child and that comes from a place where I didnt really feel like I belonged anywhere and here I get given a responsibility. Gum is now a counsellor for Salesian Life Choices, a Cape Town-based social enterprise investing in youth. Campaign She was speaking as the organisation launched the 30 Stories in 30 Days campaign for … Continue reading →

From a very young age, Jerron Herman had dreams of making it big in the cutthroat world of performing arts. Though he grew up in a small town in northern California, the self-described theater geek always knew hed end up in New York City. Herman was born with cerebral palsy, which by most peoples estimates would prevent him from fulfilling his ambitious goals. But in a recent interview with Faithwire, the now-professional dancer and choreographer shared how his Christian faith has enabled him to achieve the impossible. Herman, 26, initially came to New York with the goal of becoming a professional writer. Im a theater geek, and a writer first, he explained. I wanted to be a storyteller through theater, primarily. And I wanted to write for Broadway, and I wanted to write for television that was my dream. It wasnt until midway through college that Herman first considered a career in dancing. I dont think I ever really decided [that I wanted to be a dancer], he told Faithwire. It was really a series of invitations that led to a career. Photo credit: Andria May-Corsini The first invitation came from choreographerSean Curran, who runs his own dance company in … Continue reading →

An inspirational 10-year-old with cerebral palsy mixed with stars including Craig David, Fleur East and Paloma Faith at one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the UK. Mia Thorne, who has congenital hemiplegia, attended the Caudwell Childrens annual Butterfly Ball last week and mum Karene said by the end of the event celebrities were actually coming up to her asking for a photo. She was representing Wales as the child ambassador at the event and now counts celebrities such as Peter Andre, Blues Lee Ryan, and former Queen of the Jungle Vicky Pattison among her pals having met more than once. Mum Karene said: She was like a mini celebrity and spent lots of time chatting to all of the different stars. It was a truly amazing experience with all the celebrities walking the purple carpet. Kelvin Fletcher from Emmerdale and Lee Ryan were particularly amazing with Mia and danced with her. It was an eventful, unforgettable night and Mia absolutely loved every minute of it and having her photos taken by the national newspapers. I am very proud of her. Mia, from Pontypridd, and a pupil at Coedpenmaen Primary School, has congenital hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy … Continue reading →

The 778,606 settlement figure covers the care needs of Martin Gibson for the next year as well as past care provided by the boy's parents. Martin, through his mother Sarah Gibson, of Castle Manor, Newcastle, Co Wicklow, sued the NMH for alleged negligence over the circumstances of his birth on July 3, 2010. It was claimed there was an alleged failure to properly manage and monitor the labour, delivery and birth of the baby. There was an alleged failure, at a review of the labour, to recognise or respond to abnormalities present on a cardiotocography (CTG), including persistent late decelerations. There was also an alleged failure to recognise a pathological first stage CTG necessitating the taking of urgent action. It was also claimed there was as failure to proceed to an emergency caesarean section and there was an alleged inappropriate delay in the decision to deliver the baby by caesarean. Martin was flat on delivery and was later transferred to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children. The hospital denied the claims. The High Court recently found that the defendant was 70 per cent liable in the case. His counsel, Denis McCullough, said Martin is unable to communicate, uses a wheelchair … Continue reading →