As Jamie Pillay starts reading a book about cats and the sounds they make, her 17-month-old son turns to her, wide-eyed, a big smile lighting up his face -it’s the first time he’s heard his mother’s voice.
It was a thrilling moment for the Kraaifontein family last Thursday after little Michael underwent cochlear-implant surgery in February.
It’s just one of several surgical procedures this little “miracle” boy from Northpine has had before reaching his second birthday.
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that replaces the functions of a damaged inner ear.
Born on October 31 2017, Michael only bonded with his parents for less than a minute before doctors removed him from their arms, knowing something was wrong with the newborn.
Since birth, Michael has had several health scares, including difficulty breathing on his own, a blockage in his heart and a tumour on his brain.
A hearing test found Michael was profoundly deaf.
Marcellino Pillay said doctors had tried everything from hearing aids to grommets to improve his son’s hearing, without success.
“It was a difficult task getting him to stop crying. Sometimes we would have to open his eyes ourselves so that he would rather see us, and that soothed him,” said Mr Pillay.
Despite the challenges little Michael has faced, Mr Pillay describes his son as a “happy chappie” who enjoys playing with his six-year-old sister, Madison.
He is thrilled that Michael now stands a better chance of hearing and speaking normally, but a long road still lies ahead.
“After the implant, there is a lot to do with the recovery process – it’s occupational therapy, speech therapy and check-up sessions.”
His medical aid does not cover the costs for the implant and the recovery sessions that follow. So he has had to use his savings and pension fund and also hold fund-raisers to cover the R290 000 cost of the implant.
Community leader Anton Peacock has teamed up with some chefs and small businesses in the community to help the family. They do this by selling fast foods at the Northpine Shopping Centre on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The boy’s operations have taken a toll on the family’s pocket, and we are trying our best to help them, so please show your support,” Mr Peacock said.
Mr Pillay said he appreciated the support .
“We do not only need support with money but those little words of encouragement from others is what keeps us going.”
To help, contact Marcellino Pillay at 081 359 6183 mma.submissionsd@gmail.com