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Being paralysed, did not stop these children from telling the story of Christmas

Two years ago Kerry Polhmann's sixteenth birthday wish was to help a disabled child, despite the costs. Her mission was to bring some joy to the lives of the too often forgotten children who share the same dreams and aspirations as everyone else.

Recently she watched a part of her goal come true. It did not matter that Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus were all paralysed from the neck down; the story of Christmas was presented with powerful emotion to an appreciative audience of staff members.

The United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) in Rosettenville celebrated Christmas with a heartwarming and beautifully rendered story of Christmas.

Unfortunately some parents did not get to experience the day filled with singing, wheelchair dancing and passion as they have since stopped visiting their children at the centre. The actors were instead wheeled around by their caregivers. There was only one elderly couple among the audience who came to visit their grandchild.

The children's characters were so well delivered one would easily forget that the actors were seriously immobile. Though difficult to hear a single word they said, their facial expressions showed told the story. It was moving see the actors at pains to have their voices heard.

The cast in action portrayed humor, intelligence, passion and a whole lot of infectious energy. You could not help but be drawn to the cast and touched by their story. They made the audience cringe, laugh hysterically and even shed a tear with them.

The UCPA was established in 1951 and is home to 44 children and young adults who suffer from servere cerebral palsy. "Most of our residents are abandoned and wheelchair bound. To some the UCPA is the only home and family they have ever known," said Marie van den Berg, Director of UCPA.

Kerry's mother Betina was blown away by her daughter's request, but doubts quickly emerged. The cost of one of those special wheelchairs was alarming but her wish was granted.

"On my birthday I told my parents I wanted to help a child who does not have a wheelchair. I found this centre through a friend and I have never looked back since" said Polhmann. Two years later she is one of the most recognized faces at the centre.

Afrikaans singer Guillaume has also spent time with the children singing Christmas carols.

The UCPA provides 24 hour care which includes stimulation, therapy and other specialized treatment to all affected by CP.

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