Young Girl Receives Prosthetic Arms, Transforming Her Life

Durban - For the first time in her life, Pooja Santhoo wrapped her arms around her 17-year-old sister, Priyanka.

“It doesn’t feel weird. It actually feels very good,” said Pooja of her new prosthetic arms. “It feels normal. I like them very much. It’s not heavy at all. Thanks everyone.”

Born without arms and legs, the pre-teen from Isipingo was in high spirits as orthotists Chris Beresford and his partner Tjaard Kruger from TAP Kruger Orthopaedics in Glenwood fitted the arms on Friday.

This was a gift for her 12th birthday on Sunday, from The Post and its generous readers.

Kruger had spent 89 hours since last Tuesday working to ensure everything was in order.

Having read about Pooja’s plight in The Post in May, the orthotists agreed do the job at a discounted rate - shaving R170 000 from the total bill.

The original cost of both prosthetic arms and legs was R408 500.

It was reduced to R238 500 - R109 000 for the arms and R129 500 for the legs, for which funds still need to be raised.

“It is very exciting for us. Both Chris and I feel so fantastic and we feel absolutely blessed to be able to do this for Pooja,” said Kruger.

Beresford said the arms would work with a cable system fitted with a harness that Pooja would wear around her shoulder.

“Pooja will use her upper body strength to work the arms - after all, the arms are mechanical and not electrical.”

Kruger said that while Pooja, to their surprise, was able to do many things with her stumps, such as use her cellphone and paint her toenails, prosthetic arms would enhance her quality of life significantly.

“She will now be able to write, hold a cup and more importantly, cut her birthday cake on Sunday for the first time.

“With determination she will be able to hold cutlery and even type on a computer,” he said.

“I believe she will make good progress as she is a very determined young lady.”

However, he cautioned that children could reject prosthetic arms.

“Pooja is still a child and if she didn’t like the arms she would have rejected them, but she hasn’t and we are pleased.”

Pooja will now see both an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist, courtesy of the two doctors.

“The real work starts now and the basic training will start,” said Kruger.

He and his partner have pledged to care for Pooja’s prosthetic arms over the next few years. Pooja is counting down the days to her birthday and can’t wait for the party on Sunday.

“I would also like to go back to school,” she said.

Shortly after her birth, Pooja’s parents separated and she and Priyanka were left in the care of childless couple and distant relatives Rolly Maharaj and his late wife, Shamilla.

The Post editor Yogas Nair said: “It’s heart-warming to be able to make a difference in a young life through the generosity of our readers.

“We thank them all, and urge them to continue to support this project, so we can also help Pooja to walk.”