Meet Noah

Noah is seven. His bright blue eyes sparkle when he smiles. Mom and dad have brought him to his three-month check-up at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. His baby brother lets it be known that he wants out of his pram so that he can see what big brother is up to. The family have traveled all the way from Swellendam to make the appointment at the Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic clinics.

Noah has Dystonic and Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) Quadriplegia. Dystonia is a form of dyskinetic cerebral palsy that causes involuntary muscle contractions and movements. Spastic dystonia is the inability to relax a muscle, leading to a spontaneous contraction. It is often painful and can lead to very serious complications.

There are different types of Cerebral Palsy, and for some children it may include the full range of physical and cognitive impairments like: inability to walk, talk, vison impairment, intellectual impairment, bladder control problems, sleep disorders, pain, epilepsy, saliva control problems and behaviour disorders.

When Noah was born, he suffered oxygen deprivation and then a brain bleed. This left the bright-eyed boy wheelchair-bound. But there is something boundless about his smile, his curiosity, and his very apparent determination. He is adamant about watching car videos on his dad’s phone. There is little indication that dad will have any luck getting his phone back while they wait to see the physiotherapy team at the Children’s Hospital.

“He’s coming for a check-up. He had an operation on his tendons; to release them. Noah is spastic, so the CP has pulled out his one hip from the socket,” explains mom, Marinda. The operation was to release the tendon, to improve the spasticity, and prevent further damage and pain. If the muscle becomes less spastic and more relaxed, the hip will remain located. The check-up will see whether progress has been made. Noah’s smile and good cheer exude an optimism that the whole family welcomes. While mom proudly shares details about how capable Noah is in the face of pain, discomfort and physical challenges, dad and the boys are all intent on watching cars race and do donuts on YouTube. Noah is in charge of the viewing program and swiftly swipes the screen to get to his favourite videos. Marinda continues, “he also likes Talking Tom, the cat (an online game) and water”. Noah is very aware of the control he has, and you see the dignified dance of tenacity and joy play out as he controls the screen. Mom and dad smile broadly. They are very proud of their sons.

Noah loves being in water, and once he’s in the pool, it will take much persuasion to get him out. Marinda says that when they don’t have access to a pool, she fills the tub with water and lets him play in it. The challenges that this family are confronted with, are met with love and honour of the miracle of life, and the beauty of innocence.

As they wait for their physio appointment and Noah’s consultation with his neurosurgeon, Dr Enslin, Marinda shares her pride in her firstborn: “I think, after we had Noah, it was…it was a big challenge. But he changed everything. Seeing Luca (Noah’s baby brother) doing everything so easily, it just makes you realise how hard his struggle is, you know. And still everyday he’ll keep on smiling. And whenever he goes anywhere, he’ll just light up the place.”

For Marinda, Noah has brought her the gift of gratitude. As little as he is, he is by no means a small miracle. As they head off down the passage towards the X-ray department, her parting words seem to echo is the smiles of parents waiting in the passage: “Just be thankful.”

Join hands with us in raising funds for a new 30-bed Orthopaedic Unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and help give families and little patients the hope and medical care they deserve. 100 % of your donations will go directly towards the project.