On Thursday, March 23, Nico Malan High School matric learner, Darrian Markides (17), was seriously injured during a rugby match against Woodridge, on home turf. <\/p>\n
Evelyn Markides, Darrian\u2019s mother, noted that they immediately knew that their son was in serious trouble when he sank to the ground after a scrum. <\/p>\n
\u201cDarrian is tough as nails. He always gets up, no matter how injured he is. When he did not immediately get to his feet we knew that he was seriously injured.\u201d <\/p>\n
X-rays and a specialist consultation confirmed the family\u2019s worst fears: Darrian\u2019s ankle was very badly broken and would need extensive surgery and subsequent rehabilitation in order to gain full mobility again. He would be wheelchair-bound in the meantime. <\/p>\n
Markides shared that they were in dire straits after hearing the extent of Darrian\u2019s injuries, as they do not have a medical aid to pay for the surgery and rehabilitation he would need.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, state hospitals are overrun with emergencies, which causes non-emergency medical care and surgeries such as Darrian\u2019s, to be pushed to the bottom of waiting lists for theatre time. <\/p>\n
\u201cWaiting for state care at present could put a serious halt on Darrian\u2019s school career and the plans he has for next year. Various orthopedic specialists were all in agreement that his leg requires specialised surgery.\u201d <\/p>\n
Very quickly, however, Kouga community members rallied around the family, helping them with their daily needs and creating fund-raising websites to help the family. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe generosity of community members, friends and complete strangers has completely overwhelmed us. Within 48 hours of the funding pages going live, we had enough funds to pay for the deposit to secure a date for Darrian\u2019s operation,\u201d his mother said. <\/p>\n
He was scheduled to have surgery yesterday, April 6, at St George\u2019s Hospital in Gqeberha.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still need funds to pay for the rest of his medical care and rehabilitation, which is going to be a long and painful process, but just as God as provided for us in this first stretch, we completely trust Him to continue doing so throughout Darrian\u2019s journey.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this whole ordeal Darrian has kept such a cheerful disposition, as is his nature. He has not let this setback break his spirit and proved it this week by asking a girl to his matric farewell \u2013 wheelchair and all!\u201d <\/p>\n
The Markides family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed towards Darrian\u2019s recovery thus far. <\/p>\n
Visit \u201cLet\u2019s help Darrian walk into his future\u201d on Facebook to follow Darrian\u2019s journey or donate towards his medical expenses. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On Thursday, March 23, Nico Malan High School matric learner, Darrian Markides (17), was seriously injured during a rugby match against Woodridge, on home 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