Cape Town - Ansauf Benjamin has been dealt a heavy hand. Prior to dislocating her jaw earlier this year, the 14-year-old had no health issues.
Doctors inserted a bite plate to prevent further damage when they determined they would be unable to fix it. She was later diagnosed with scoliosis.
“The doctors do not know the cause of her dislocated jaw,” her mom, Fazlin Benjamin said.
The Athlone mother said her daughter, who is in Grade 8 at Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, was a fun-loving, dedicated and “academically strong” child.
“She kept on complaining about a sore back and I kept on rubbing it, until I saw a curve on her back and that is when I started to freak out. I phoned the doctor at Kingsbury and I was advised to take her for X-rays.”
On October 22, she was diagnosed. “Ansauf was very shocked and insisted on getting an explanation on her condition. I will never forget that Saturday morning... I mourn it every single Saturday.”
The operation to straighten her spine will cost R245 000. Benjamin’s medical aid will only cover R23 000.
Dealing with Ansauf’s condition has been emotionally and mentally draining, Benjamin said, and the cost of the operation was not making the situation any easier.
“All I want is for my daughter to have a successful operation, one that can heal her so that she can return to the playful child that she was.”
Benjamin said her two other children were not taking it well. “This is very difficult for them; Ansauf is their sister and seeing her in pain is not a good feeling at all.”
Benjamin is appealing for help to cover the medical bill.