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Caleb Swanepoel, a 20 yr old University of Cape Town drama student, lost his right leg in a shark attack at Buffalo Bay in June 2015. Caleb is an active, ambitious, and extraordinary young man and we would love to help him live a full and boundless life, with infinite possibilities.
Our aim is to raise R1.4 million by Christmas to finance Caleb’s prosthetic leg.
While on holiday at Buffalo Bay, South Africa, with his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and the family dog, Caleb Swanepoel was attacked by a Great White shark and lost his right leg above the knee. Caleb was body surfing with his two brothers when the attack took place, as his family and friends watched from the beach. Just before the attack, Caleb shouted to his brothers to swim back to shore, after which the shark took his leg. Hearing Caleb call, his younger brother swam back and began pulling him to shore. The shark approached the boys, circling them twice before attacking again, resulting in two deep lacerations on Caleb’s left knee and biting his brother’s flipper. However, the boys reached the shore and Caleb was pulled out of the water by his mother and brothers. The emergency care provided by Caleb’s family, friends, fellow surfers and bystanders who assisted on the scene, prior to the arrival of the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) and emergency services, contributed to saving his life. After an hour, Caleb was airlifted to George Mediclinic, where he underwent immediate surgery. The doctors explained that it is a miracle that Caleb is alive. His main artery in his right leg went into spasm after being ripped by the shark, preventing Caleb from bleeding to death. Two days later, he underwent further surgery to close the stump. During the following 9 days in hospital, Caleb’s wounds were monitored for infection and he made exceptional progress. Now temporarily at home, Caleb and his family are making plans for the months ahead, which will involve rehabilitation, the fitting of his prosthetic leg, and the continuation of his drama degree.
Caleb’s character is the determining factor of his future. He has remained extremely positive since the attack and shows no sign of giving up his ambitions and dreams. He is determined to grow and learn from this experience, and come out stronger than before. Caleb is not only inwardly strong, but has remained a constant to the people around him. He has a genuine love for others, being always a kind, giving, and sensitive friend, brother, and son. In his words, “this experience has made me appreciate the small things in life and has encouraged me to live and love each day to the fullest”.
Caleb is eager to enjoy everything that he enjoyed prior to losing his leg. He is fit and adventurous and has always spent his time running, hiking, dancing, working out, playing tennis, swimming, and joining in all available activities. Caleb has always been dedicated to maintaining and improving his health and fitness in a manner beyond his years, and still embraces this attitude. He has been inspired to reach new heights and is considering the possibility of swimming competitively.
After the shark attack, Caleb had many concerns about his ability to continue drama. However he has been encouraged by people within the industry and is determined to finish what he started. Caleb hopes to use this experience to reach and inspire people. He is documenting his progress via his community Facebook page and has been interviewed by numerous radio stations, newspapers and TV programs. Caleb plans to be involved in public speaking for an NSRI educational scheme and other similar programs.
There are various options as regards a prosthesis, ranging from mechanical to fully computerised legs. Caleb is engaging with various experts including an occupational therapist, a prosthetist and a biokineticist and will consider the options carefully. Ideally, the new leg will enable him to participate in the wide range of activities he has always enjoyed - and perhaps more! There is a large range in price as regards a suitable prosthetic leg. The details will become clearer in due course but a realistic target is R1.4 million. Fund raising initiatives have been started and this is a hugely motivational for Caleb.
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