Cape Town - Springbok Rugby World Cup winner Damian de Allende made a heart-warming visit to Tygerberg Hospital yesterday, to hang out with some if its youngest patients.
The visit was part of the Smile Foundation’s ongoing partnership with Daikin Air Conditioning South Africa, showing their dedication to children’s health.
Every month, they set aside special operating times for children who need craniofacial surgeries.
This week, three courageous patients are getting the specialised care they need.
De Allende’s visit not only lifted spirits but also sent a message about the community rallying around the children and their families during tough times.
“I always wanted to give back and help the community out a bit.
“You never know when to start, but I’m grateful to be here,” De Allende said.
“Some of the kids are still young and they won’t understand the magnitude of it now, but hopefully when they are older and see this, it will inspire them to inspire the next generation,” he said.
During his time at the hospital, De Allende said he accompanied 22-month-old Audin Sacco to the operating room for his surgery.
Sacco was born with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare condition affecting skull and facial development, due to his mother’s low blood pressure during pregnancy.
“He is not going for a massive operation, but it’s quite emotional.
“I think it starts to hit when you have your own kids. You realise that it could be your kid,” De Allende said.
“His mom was very strong; the operation and his recovery will go well. The experience was quite sad and pretty emotional,” he added.
Sacco’s surgery coincides with Craniofacial Acceptance Month.
Wendy Centerbury, from the Smile Foundation, shared that their top goal was to keep bringing joy to children.
She said De Allende’s involvement boosted their mission.
Koen van Wynendaele, the managing director of Daikin, said their were passionate about giving back.
“The Smile Foundation is one of the initiatives that we support. It's the second year that we are supporting them.
“It reminds us that there are more important things that we worry about every day,” Van Wynendaele said.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus