The Real Superheroes
In a world often overshadowed by noise and chaos, there exists a place where the true essence of heroism shines through—the halls of Tshilidzini Hospital in Limpopo. Here, amidst the challenges and struggles, we witness the remarkable courage of children battling cerebral palsy, the unwavering love of their families, the dedication of hospital staff, the generosity of volunteers, and the kindness of donors. Together, they form an ensemble of real-life superheroes whose stories of resilience and compassion inspire awe and gratitude.
This past weekend, our Boikanyo Dion Herson Foundation team, led by the incredible Marilyn Herson Bassin, embarked on a mission unlike any other. We descended upon Tshilidzini Hospital in Thohoyandou, Venda, for part two of our life-changing buggy recycling workshop.
But what exactly does that mean? Let me tell you about the real superheroes we meet along the way.
Superhero #1: The Children
These fantastic kids, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, possess unbelievable courage that would put even the bravest of us to shame. I like to think I “DO HARD THINGS” and challenge my physical and mental limitations whenever I can, but next to these superheroes, I feel so ordinary, and I can only hope my efforts make a difference in their lives. Their smiles, determination, and spirit were truly inspiring. We were fitting them all with specialised wheelchairs, called buggies, to give them the freedom and mobility they deserve.
Superhero #2: The Families
The unwavering love and support of the children’s parents and families were another source of immense strength. Witnessing their dedication in the face of such challenges was humbling. You must see the gentle faces as they speak softly to the children, hold them, hug them, and comfort them when things get too much. I found myself walking the grounds of the hospital, tears streaming down my face, taking a moment to regain my composure and returning to capture what I could. I can only hope my images will give you a glimpse into what I felt and not just what I saw.
Superhero #3: The Hospital Staff
The tireless work of the doctors, nurses, and therapists at Tshilidzini Hospital and surrounding clinics is nothing short of heroic. They fight daily to make miracles happen for their patients, often with limited resources. There is no medical aid, and their battle is not to get points that will give them a better level and cheaper airline flights. They are fighting a fight that few of us can even comprehend. I stand in awe of them and their work.
Superhero #4: The Volunteers
Our team and volunteers from all walks of life gave their time, skills, and hearts to this cause. It’s a testament to the incredible spirit of humanity that people would dedicate themselves so wholeheartedly to making a difference. My job is the easiest; I walk around, camera in hand, trying to capture the moment of magic that this team produces. I am blown away by the miracles they work, converting scrap to gold, supporting each other, managing the logistics, smiling, laughing, teaching, reassuring and custom-fitting each child into their buggy.
Superhero #5: The Donors
Let’s not forget the silent heroes – the donors and supporters who make these initiatives possible. Their generosity provides the tools and resources to create a brighter future for these children. Yes, that is each of you, those who support our efforts emotionally and financially. Let me assure you that your support changed lives this weekend and into the future. A word of warning: this does not happen without you, which means that we will be calling on you again sometime in the future. (Sorry, not sorry!)
A Weekend of Miracles
From Marylin’s description of the weekend… We hit the ground running, sending a “mountain” of supplies ahead of time to prepare for the 100 children who would be receiving buggies. These children came from a staggering seven different hospitals, and a team of 43 therapists collaborated with us to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Fitting each child into their custom buggy takes painstaking hours. It’s a labour of love, but the reward is immeasurable. We witnessed magic unfold, and the MEC of Limpopo, who visited our workshop, shared our awe. She recognised the profound impact of our work and requested that we expand our buggy recycling skills training to reach even more hospitals and clinics across the province. Of course, we were overjoyed to accept this mission.
Beyond the technical feats, we gained a profound glimpse into the lives of these families. Poverty and special needs can be a crushing burden, yet the hall where we worked vibrated with an undeniable energy. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and the depth of love resonated. It was a powerful reminder of the human spirit, a testament to how love can truly conquer all.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this incredible weekend—from the bottom of our hearts. Your contribution goes far beyond the buggies themselves. You’ve given these children a gift of freedom, a chance to explore their world, and a reason to believe in miracles. For many of these children, this cherished gift represents something they’ve waited a lifetime for.
Together, we are ALL the real superheroes and the impact we create will resonate for years to come.