HOT Cares Smooths the Way for Car Accident Victim to Get the Rehab He Needs

South Africa has some of the most dangerous roads in the world and the stats are there to back up this assertion. Unfortunately, that also means we’re a population well-acquainted with car accidents. The chances are, if you haven’t been in an accident yourself, you know of someone who has.

You’ll also know, then, how devastating car accidents can be, claiming lives and leaving those who survive them with lasting damage.

That’s what happened to 24-year-old Arno, who three years ago was involved in a car accident that left him paralysed from the neck down. He went from a vibrant and healthy young man to being reliant on his family for his basic day-to-day living.

As you can imagine, this has completely changed the lives of Arno and his family, with his mother having to give up her job to take full-time care of him.

On top of that, the timing of Arno’s accident couldn’t have been worse, with the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in both his brother and father being retrenched.

So, it’s been an incredibly tough three years for the family.

That being said, Arno has made progress since starting regular rehabilitation, to the extent that he is now able to use his arms.

It was here that Arno popped up on the radar of therapeutic massage therapist Yolandi and it was she who brought his story to Hot Cares and relayed it to the Big Joburg Drive team on HOT 102.7FM.

“His story touched me, because, quite simply, I have the use of my arms and legs, and he doesn’t, through absolutely no fault of his own,” said Yolandi. “But, he’s got such a great energy and attitude, despite his situation, and I just wanted to help.”
Well, Yolandi already has.

She’s managed to get Arno into a weekly session at a rehabilitation centre at no extra cost and this session, she says, is vital for him to continue his progress and build up his strength.

Unfortunately, due to their tight financial situation, funds are limited for Arno and his family, who live a fair distance from the rehab centre in Rivonia. Just the cost of getting him there every week is out of their reach, whilst they are also struggling to provide Arno with his basic replenishable catheter needs.

That’s where Hot Cares comes in.

We’re going to take care of the transport costs and give the family a Dis-Chem account – both for the next three months – to allow the family to purchase what Arno needs for his medical treatment. Total value – R6000!

We just hope this provides some sort of relief for Arno and his family.

Similarly, if you are a prospective partner of Hot Cares, or if you are in a position to donate towards making a meaningful difference, or have a story to alert us to, or a programme you’d like to partner with Hot Cares on, please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].