MND patient refuses to be disabled

GEORGE NEWS - Giving up on life and letting motor neurone disease (MND) take over, is not what Kleinkrantz resident Kevin Jones (43) has in mind.

Jones was diagnosed with MND about six years ago - a year after he moved to George from Johannesburg. He has since been living with his mother and nephew, and the "mayor of Kleinkrantz", as he is lovingly known, has won the hearts of many in his community.

"He had a limp when he was younger and the doctors told me one of his legs was shorter than the other. Maybe if medical technology was as advanced as it is now, they could've diagnosed it earlier and things might have been different," says his mother, Bertha Jackson, who is herself living with a medical condition (cancer).

By the time Jones moved to George, the limp had increased severely and after numerous medical tests and examinations, he was eventually diagnosed.

MND is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. There's no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life. Some people live with the condition for many years.

As many know, former Springbok rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with the same condition in 2011 and died on 6 February 2017 at age 45.

Not giving up
Jones is determined to live his life to the fullest, and apart from selling free-range eggs and raw honey to generate income, he has recently taken up mouth painting. Despite limited movement of his arms and legs, he has even done a paragliding tandem flight in Wilderness.

"When I moved to George I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. I have always been passionate about my community," says Jones.

"In Joburg I farmed with my uncle, so when I moved down here, I bought some gardening tools and equipment and started a gardening service in which I had five people employed."

Unfortunately he had to give up this business due to his condition. It however did not deter him from exploring other avenues. Soon enough he started a neighbourhood watch and even patrolled in his wheelchair.

"I still look after people's houses and keep an eye on the neighbourhood. I make sure all the streetlights are working and ever so often we organise a Kleinkrantz clean-up," he says. Jones also assists pet owners in the area by organising outreaches by the PDSA.

Jackson says her son is a very busy man. "The worst for him is when it's cold and rainy and he has to stay indoors. It frustrates him. When the sun is out, Kevin keeps himself busy outside. He loves being outside, helping and talking to people in our community," she says.

Jones has to be hoisted into a vehicle when he has to be transported.

Lessons
Despite obvious challenges like medical costs, having to be hoisted into a car for transport or being assisted with baths and daily tasks we take for granted, Jones remains positive.

"We think that life is meaningless, it doesn't mean anything unless you do something and make your life worth something," he says. "Never give up. Do not let your disability disable you. Don't live a meaningless life - get up and do something meaningful. You are not disabled, you are able to do so much - just never, ever give up."

For his nephew, Kyle Vithaldas, his uncle's condition came as big shock. "I've never known my uncle to be like this. When I moved back here I hadn't seen him for 10 years. He could still do things for himself before. His condition taught me appreciation. It showed me that in the blink of an eye we can lose all the things we take for granted. He has also taught me that your mind needs to be strong. If your mind is strong, you can do anything," he says.

Kevin Jones with his nephew, Kyle Vithaldas, who also assists his uncle whenever he needs it.