His greatest dream has always been to become a lawyer and now that this 18-year-old finally has the chance to study, it has to be put on hold as he needs to focus on saving his life first.
Ghulaam Brown, from Malabar in Nelson Mandela Bay, is in constant pain.
Ghulaam, who matriculated last year, was dealt a double blow about a month ago when he was diagnosed with not only scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, but also Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.
This caused his chest to sink inwards, with the chest bone putting pressure on his heart and lungs. As a result of the scoliosis, his right shoulder is also higher than the left.
He now needs to see several specialists for treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. He also needs to undergo surgery to release the pressure from his heart and lungs.
“I’m in constant pain and I’m always tired, but I still have a positive outlook on life,” Ghulaam said.
“My hopes are always sky-high because I don’t allow myself to wallow in self-pity. I know that I’m a strong guy despite my circumstances.
“I also know that I’m stronger than my circumstances and all the love that people have shown me through loving messages, as well as heartfelt prayers, have impacted me immensely,” he added.
Ghulaam’s mother, Siehaam Brown, said that her son was not born like this, but suddenly starting losing weight and developed a sunken chest three years ago.
“We have been to Provincial and Livingstone Hospitals but no one could tell us what was wrong. All they said at Livingstone last year in July was that he has mild scoliosis.
He didn’t receive any treatment and we were told to return in six months’ time for another X-ray.
“A month ago Ghulaam had problems breathing so we decided to take him to a private doctor for a second opinion. The doctor took one look at him and said Marfan syndrome.
“The doctor also looked at his back and said that it was scoliosis,” Brown explained.
Ghulaam, who according to his mother was always a chubby child until three years ago, is now very tall and thin due to his condition.
He also suffers from heart palpitations and was subsequently placed on beta-blockers.
“I am very proud of Ghulaam. Last year was really difficult for him because he couldn’t go to school due to COVID. All his work was sent through via WhatsApp. He is also so positive even though his dream to become a lawyer must be put hold,” Brown said.
“As a result of the pain, Ghulaam is forever tired and as a mother, it breaks my heart to see him like this, knowing that I can’t do anything to ease his pain.”
Brown said that they have started a backabuddy campaign for Ghulaam, as they cannot afford to go to Cape Town for his surgery and treatment.
“We need approximately R30 000 and have raised about R10 000 so far.
“The money raised will go towards accommodation, food and petrol because we are travelling with my car so we can pull off the road every 30 minutes to an hour. This is because Ghulaam can’t sit still for too long. He needs to stretch his back.”
