Three-month-old Adam du Toit, from Cape Town, is a brave little warrior facing a challenge that no child should have to endure. Born with a severe form of bilateral club foot, Adam’s ability to walk, run, and play like other children has been hindered by pain and difficulty. However, there is hope, with surgery, specialized boots, and ongoing therapy, he can have the chance to be able to walk without discomfort and embrace a future full of possibility.
Adam’s journey has been anything but easy. He currently undergoes weekly cast changes, a process that is both physically and emotionally challenging. “We have to remove the casts ourselves, which isn’t an easy process for him or us. To do the casting correctly, he has to be held down while his feet are bent into the right position and firmly strapped. It is heartbreaking to watch,” shares his mother, Sally du Toit (41). The heavy casts chafe his chubby little thighs, and he also struggles with stomach issues due to his limited mobility.
Pictured above: Baby Adam du Toit smiling in his sleep
Unfortunately, an unexpected hurdle has made this journey even harder. The family’s medical aid has declined coverage for the essential procedure he needs, and the specialist best suited to treat him, one of only two in the entire Western Cape, is not covered by their plan. The cost of Adam’s surgery, corrective boots, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and necessary household adjustments for his comfort over the next few years is a significant challenge for his parents, Sally and Clive du Toit (44).
The surgery Adam needs is crucial, as it involves severing a tendon to lengthen his heel and prevent him from walking on his toes in the future, which would cause terrible pain. “The surgery will help prevent this and is crucial for the process,” explains Clive.
Pictured above: Adam being comforted by his older brother, Caleb, after a casting
Post-surgery, Adam will require a Ponseti brace and Dobbs bar with Mitchell boots, which are highly specialized and costly equipment. As he grows, he may need up to ten pairs of boots in different sizes. “If we adhere to 23 hours a day of wearing the boots, it will lessen the likelihood of a relapse, but there’s still a small chance he may need additional surgeries. He will also need physiotherapy to strengthen his feet and prevent any relapses,” his parents explain. “Without this ongoing care, the condition could impact his knees, hips, and spine.”
To help cover the costs of Adam’s treatment, his family has created a BackaBuddy campaign, where they have already raised over R40 000 of their R50 000 goal with the support of 32 incredible donors. Their gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown so far is immeasurable.
Adam’s parents are doing everything they can to ensure he has the best possible future. “It’s a long process, so we are just trying to take each day as it comes. Every parent will agree it is the worst thing in the world to feel helpless and to see your child in such terrible discomfort, and even pain some days, but we know it is for the greater good,” they share.
Pictured above: Adam’s cast starting to chaff right after casting
As parents, their greatest wish is to see Adam walk, run, and play like any other child, but they can’t do it alone. “Your support can help make his journey easier. Every donation goes directly toward his treatment and makes this journey as comfortable and pain-free as possible. It is not just financial support, it’s a gift of hope, healing, and a brighter future for our little boy, Adam. The donations thus far have lifted a huge weight off our shoulders, and we are deeply touched by your compassion. This journey hasn’t been easy, but knowing we have people like you standing with us makes all the difference. We will forever be grateful for your kindness,” they explain.
Despite everything, Adam remains a beacon of joy. “Once Adam started smiling, he never stopped. He has gone through so much and still has this beautiful sparkle in his eyes. He really is my hero,” says Sally.