Sjo!
As I’m writing this I have goosebumps. Lead SA posted a happy ending on their Facebook page this morning for ice-cream vendor, Luke Dausi. This 22-year-old man was selling ice-cream on Sea Point Promenade when he was brutally attacked and had all his front teeth knocked out. The robbers made off with two cellphones and R430 in cash.
I’d rather not get into my feelings about the brazen and senseless crimes citizens are subjected to on a daily basis. The fact that our response to this story would probably be: “at least he is alive” speaks to how crime has become a norm in society. No, let me rather focus on the fact that stories like these often bring out another side in communities – compassion, caring and goodwill.
Credit goes to the 567 Cape Talk and the Cape Argus Newspaper that ran with this story and appealed for help. Inspired by Lead SA, dentist Marc Sher volunteered to assess and treat Luke. His missing teeth would undoubtedly have battered his self-confidence and remind him of his ordeal, but thankfully someone stepped up to plate to help. Considering the cost of dental surgery and the amount of time involved, this act of kindness goes above and beyond being an active citizen.
Luke before and after his dental surgery. (Picture: Lead SA)
For the moment I reserve my judgement of dentists as vendors of pain and suppress the torture of the ear-splitting sound of the dentist drill. In my books this act has redeemed the profession.
My hero for this week is Dr Marc Sher and Luke Dausi. The former for reaching out to someone in need with his skill and the latter for sporting a winning and handsome smile.
Now go out and change someone’s life!
Tagged: Cape Argus, Cape Talk, Cape Town, Crime, Dentistry, Ice-cream Vendor, Lead SA, Luke Dausi, Marc Sher, Random Act of Kindness, Sea Point Promenade, Western Cape
Speak Up. Shut Up. 
Leave a comment