Claudia du Preez, now aged 7, was diagnosed with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy as baby. It means that the part of the brain that controls her muscles got damaged. Claudia is not able to sit, crawl, walk or talk. As Claudia cannot control her muscles, the valve that goes to her lungs does not close like it is supposed to and as soon as she drinks or eats anything through her mouth and swallows, it goes directly to her lungs which causes her to get very ill. Claudia therefore has to get her food through a peg tube that is connected directly to her stomach.

To help Claudia function optimally, she receives Occupational Therapy once a week and Speech and Physiotherapy every 2 weeks.

Claudia needs constant care and also has a caregiver who takes care of her during the day while both her parents are at work.

With a special needs child, expenses are very high. Currently her parent’s biggest expense is Claudia’s specially formulated milk. This costs them R10,772 per month and as the medical aid does not pay for this specific milk, her parents have to pay for it out of pocket.

Every charity event entry will allow Claudia’s parents to buy her 1 bottle of milk. Charity events like these are essential to ensure all Claudia’s expenses can be covered.

iPlay SA has pledged to host at least one charity event per year for Claudia.

Follow Claudia’s story on her Facebook Page