When did you find out that your baby had/would have clubfoot?
The day I gave birth to her.
How did you feel?
When I got the news I didn’t really know what it was, even though the doctor explained it to me and my partner. All that went through my mind was: “Thank you God, she could not have been too perfect.” However I did not know the emotional journey that was awaiting on us.
What was the correction process like for you and your family?
When we finally found out the impact this could have on my child, it hit home. I felt hugely relieved when I was informed that it is indeed not permanent and through proper treatment she will be able to have a normal life.
How did you find out about STEPS?
My baby was born in a private hospital and the day we found out that she had clubfoot the doctor referred us to a physiotherapist as the medical plan I’m on does not cover any specialist.
After a few sessions I just felt that this therapy was not working and that we could not see any of the results that the doctors promised us.
We then decided to approach my GP for help and he could not even tell me what clubfoot was.
After so many doctors visits and referrals I finally decided to go on the internet and that’s how I found out about STEPS.
How did steps assist you on your journey?
After I got their number on the internet and read about Craig and his mother’s journey with STEPS I immediately contacted them.
I remember talking to Karen and she gave me all the information I needed and referred me to Tygerberg Hospital.
I was invited to attend the clubfoot clinic with my baby the same Thursday and the doctors immediately started with the process. We only had three casts on as her foot was not so severe and she is so happy in her braces.
What advice would you offer to other families going through similar journeys?
Don’t ever be ashamed. God blessed you with that beautiful child – trust your instincts. Through the amazing Ponseti treatment and the support from STEPS your journey will be just as beautiful as ours.
Walking all over the place
Cazzner then
STEPS baby, Cazzner, has been on quite a journey. She recently turned one and has started walking “all over the place”, her mom, Deborah, tells STEPS.
When Cazzner was born with clubfoot, her parents were concerned.
“When we finally found out the impact this could have on my child, it hit home,” Deborah explains. “I felt hugely relieved when I was informed that it is indeed not permanent and through proper treatment she will be able to have a normal life”.
Cazzner now – standing on her own two feet!
STEPS have helped Cazzner and her parents with their Ponseti treatment at a partner clubfoot clinic, especially our amazing parent adviser Alethea, who encouraged and supported Deborah on clinic days.
Karen recently received a lovely email from Deborah about Cazzner’s perfect little feet:
“Once again I would like to thank STEPS for everything, the support and guidance.
“To Alethea who has been my pillar of strength I miss her so much as we don’t get to see each other at the hospital anymore.
“To Karen, everyone, thank you… And God Bless.”
If there are better emails to receive, I’m not sure what those are!
If you have a success story that you would like to share with us, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
