'Arm For Nadine' ongoing

KNYSNA NEWS - Initially an “Arm for Nadine” initiative was launched to try and raise funds to assist with the cost involved in the design and manufacture of a prosthetic arm, after Nadine Rodeom lost her left arm above the elbow after having been attacked and savaged by two boerboel dogs last year.

According to her mother Esme Edge, the medical aid had said they would not pay, but after much "fighting", they later agreed to pay a contribution towards the estimated R120 000 cost of the prosthesis.

"With the medical aid and the funds raised in the initial concerts (Arm for Nadine by Cat Simoni and Paul Spence) a prosthesis has now been made, but it has gone back to the drawing board as her stump keeps shrinking. The prosthesis is a work in progress and we are still trying to get it right.

"The silicone sheaths she wears on the stump cost approximately R10 000 a piece. The theory is that the sheath will fit into an outer laminated section and must be secure enough to hold the 'elbow joint' and 'hand'. As a result it is hard, hot and the last attempt actually cut into her shoulder, but we will continue to persevere," says Edge.

To make matters harder, Rodeom recently lost her job as a result of her incapacity and not having a functional arm.

"This means she only receives her Sassa [South Africa Social Security Agency] grant of R1 440 per month. Because of her mental disability she makes extensive use of her cellphone and tablet ... and the monthly instalment of those together with the medical aid premium wipes out her entire grant," explains Edge. "Without these electronic tools, she is totally isolated and without any intellectual or emotional stimulation."

The concept of an Arm for Nadine project was born, where concerts and additional events will be staged throughout the year with the top hat proceeds (money into a hat from guests after the show) benefiting a different local charity each time.

The top hat normally raises anything from R2 000.

The profits from the ticket sales, averaging about R30 per ticket sold, will go towards the Arm for Nadine projects to cover her occupational therapy, additional medical costs and provide a small income for her.

"The care and concern from the citizens of the fantastic town has been incredible and the support she has received is unparalleled. This is what makes Knysna wonderful," says Edge.

"Apart from their international amazing talent, what makes Cat Simoni and Paul Spence wonderful is the willingness to support this project from inception. Without them willing to offer their fantastic performances at good rates the success of the project so far and the continued success would not be possible."

* See our What's On section for details of the next two events planned for March 21 and March 24.