A young cancer survivor and leg amputee from Scottsdene in Kraaifontein dreams of being a Paralympic swimmer just like Natalie du Toit.
For little Zaarah Reid (11) who a few weeks ago could not swim, the comfort of water has brought her a new freedom.
“I feel weightless in the water and I don’t even know about my leg when I’m in the pool. It is so relaxing and so much fun. I have discovered a new dream, a dream to be a champion swimmer,” Zaarah says.
Paralympic champion Natalie du Toit is her idol.
“She is an amputee just like me, but she is so strong and powerful. Like her, I too want to compete in the Paralympics one day.”
The dream was borne when Zaarah started swimming lessons three weeks ago, something that has given her a new zest for life. Mom Lizette Baartman says she was desperate to find Zaarah something to help her deal with her new challenges. Zaarah was only nine when she was diagnosed with bone cancer.
“The cancer was malignant and doctors had to amputate her leg above the knee after chemotherapy failed,” says Lizette.
After this Zaarah lost her confidence and became very afraid.
Operation
In December last year she had to undergo another operation to shorten her stump due to complications.
“When she returned to school in December last year she had to go in a wheelchair and write her final exams in the principals office. She could not wear a prosthesis yet as her wound was still healing.
Then, when schools opened in January, Zaarah point blank refused to go to school; she was embarrassed and petrified.
“When I finally got her to go to school, she had an anxiety attack and cried bitterly. It was only later that I found out that she was scared of other children trampling over her on the steps.
“I was scrolling through the Kraailove Facebook page when I saw the Foxxie Foundation Adopt-a-Swimmer programme. I contacted the swimming school and they immediately invited Zaarah to come for sponsored swimming lessons. After her first swimming lesson I could immediately see the change. She was another person; she has a lust for life again. She took to the water like a fish and learned very fast, her former fear of water a thing of the past,” says Lizette.
Huge potential
Swimming instructor Robin Foxley immediately saw Zaarah’s potential.
“You won’t believe how amazing she is. I am gobsmacked by her talent. She is extraordinary and her excitement is contagious; I am honoured to be her coach and she has given a new meaning to my life,” says Robin who is now trying to arrange for Zaarah to meet her heroine.
“She had me speechless. After her first two lessons she could swim faster with her one little leg than children who have had lessons for two months; and she climbs into and out of the pool by herself.
“Her amputation is quite hight up so she doesn’t have much leg to work with, yet the strength of her other leg gives her the momentum. She is superfast. She definitely has the potential to become a Paralympic athlete. Watch this space,” says Robin.
The Foxxie Foundation receives a corporate sponsorship to teach children in high-crime areas such as Scottsdene how to swim.
“We teach the kids how to swim and concentrate on water safety. The aim of the foundation is to bring about change in the gang-areas by showing these children what they can do in life.”
