Accolade to a Dream Team.

In our minds little Shelton will be forever known as our miracle child. This seven-year-old determined little boy who grew up on our citrus farm, so proud to be registered at Unitas as Master S Matseba, has a unique story which he wants the world to know about..! Our story began on Wednesday 24 August 2016 when a GP - member of the life changing group, Help-lift, agreed to meet with Shelton (free of charge!) for a consultation due to the fact that he was born with a, in layman’s terms; skewed head. His mother and teachers were concerned for his future development. Shelton attended Lesedi Day Care until the age of 6 and moved on to our feeder primary school, Toitskraal Primary. The GP arranged the meeting for Shelton with neurosurgeon (also on pro-bono basis). His recommendation was that Shelton required a remodeling of his entire calvarium – a lengthy and very risky operation. The neurosurgeon in turn, arranged for and motivated all costs involved with this case on a pro-bono basis. The Netcare Foundation gave their full support, the anaesthesiologists and other wonderful people who wish to remain anonymous – these professionals, organisation and prayer groups formed our Dream Team! Take one On 15 June 2017 Shelton was taken to the Netcare hospital for his operation. He arrived at 06h00 and was prepared for the procedure. On this same morning there was a taxi strike on the highways in and around Gauteng which meant that, even though the operation could take place, not enough paediatric ICU nurses could make it to the hospital and the concern was that Shelton could not be properly cared for after the procedure – this care is vital. Shelton had to stay in the ICU for 5 to 7 days after the operation for the wounds to properly heal. So, with heavy hearts, Shelton returned home. Take two Shelton’s story revealed the determination of a group of people who would not stand back when life made things difficult – the operation was rescheduled for 19 July 2017. This time Shelton arrived at the hospital at 12h00 for his MRI Stealth and to be prepared for surgery the next day at 08h00. Once again, the operation had to be cancelled due to an infection which first needed to be drained and healed before the procedure could take place. So once again little Shelton had to travel back to the farm. Nothing had changed and frustration and doubt began to fill our hearts. Was this a sign that the operation should be cancelled? It would change his life but could also take his life. Take three True to their word, our Dream Team arranged for the rescheduling of all involved for 10 August 2017. Due to the doubts that had settled in our hearts, this amazing surgeon took the time on a public holiday to meet with Shelton’s mother the day before to discuss the necessity of the operation once more. His patience and beautiful heart will never be forgotten! She gave her blessing for the operation and after 6 hours in theatre our miracle child emerged with a beautifully formed head – now filled with dreams of becoming a doctor himself! Thank you, thank you, thank you three times over – you have restored not only this child’s dignity ensuring that his brain may continue to develop naturally, but also broadened his horizons. To all involved, you are our Dream Team!