Prosthesis for a Cancer Survivor

My name is Cameron Joubert. I am an 19-year-old student from Johannesburg and I would like to share my story with you.

I matriculated in 2017 and enrolled to study for a BCom at the University of Pretoria in January this year. Sadly, I was not to know what challenges lay ahead of me.

On the 19 February 2018, my whole world came to a standstill when I was diagnosed with a malignant tumour (sarcoma) in my right forearm. I was told that the Cancer was aggressive, and I would have to lose my arm to save my life. I immediately started chemotherapy and on 1 June 2018 my arm was amputated.

By the grace of God, I am on the road to recovery and I am forever grateful for a second chance at life. Thankfully I don’t have to have more Chemotherapy and will be closely monitored in the months ahead. I have started seeing Gavin Shneir, a prosthetic specialist and he is preparing me to have a prosthetic arm fitted.

Medical Aid would initially only cover a third of the R140 000 that the prosthesis cost, but fortunately after appealing my case, they agreed to pay more, leaving us with a shortfall of +/- R8000. Till this date we have received R110 000 from Medical Aid and R22 000 is still outstanding, so overall, we are short R30 000.

Due to my illness I was forced to de-register from University but look forward to starting my studies again in 2019. The prosthesis that I am getting is a Mechanical arm. I have been having physiotherapy which helps me to activate the correct muscles to work the hand. Once I have adapted to the Mechanical arm, I have the option to progress to a Myoelectric arm. The Myoelectric arm allows one to have a far wider range of motion, but the cost is +/- R1.5000 000!!

I would be forever grateful for any donations towards my journey with getting a prosthesis, which will add huge value to my life.

All Donations over the initial R30 000 goal, will go towards the Myoelectric arm which I hope to progress to in the future, to insure I have the best quality of life possible.

Thank you for taking time to listen to my story. Any support given will be most appreciated.