Steps Clubfoot Care, a non-profit organisation in Cape Town that supports children born with clubfoot, has launched the STEPtember initiative that invites every South African to commit to taking 300 000 steps in September to raise awareness about clubfoot, raise funds to assist children with clubfoot, and to remove the stigma of the condition.
Luke Engel, marketing manager of Steps Clubfoot Care, says, “Every step you take during STEPtember helps to remove the stigma of clubfoot, spread the message that it is treatable, and provides support for these amazing kids. That should keep you motivated! And bonus – you start your summer with an extra spring in your step- and a bit fitter and leaner!”.
Close to 2000 South African children are born with clubfoot on a yearly basis. Leaving clubfoot untreated causes it to become a disability. A child’s feet might become rigid, pointed downward, or turned inward. Steps Clubfoot Care currently supports over 30 public clubfoot clinics, and provide training and support to make sure that more diagnosed children have access to the treatment that they need.
Charne Felix, Cape Townian para-athlete, was born with clubfoot, and has joined the STEPtember initiative. She said, “Creating more awareness about clubfoot is what excites me. STEPtember helps to create awareness and eliminate the shame due to ignorance or being uninformed”.
In order to get involved, create a Backabuddy account and link your account to your social media.
