Patient Stories
The staff at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital perform modern day miracles on a daily basis. Each child has a unique story and we have decided to feature some of these stories of hope for you.
Stories of Hope
MEET HAMZA
Hamza was diagnosed with Achondroplastic Dwarfism at birth and by four months old he was suffering from severe breathing problems that it was affecting his heart. To save his life, doctors at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital performed a tracheostomy, which allowed Hamza to breathe through a hole in his throat while attached to a ventilator machine. Read more
Nicky Black*
When Nicky Black* was 5 months old, she weighed a meagre 3.6kg. Sadly, Nicky is HIV positive and one of many paediatric infectious diseases patients treated at the Hospital. Read more
Dinao Ngombe
In August 2011, Dinao was suffering from gastroenteritis, oral thrush and a bad cough that worried her mother, Ella.
The local clinic gave her medication to treat these ailments and multivitamins to supplement Dinao’s poor appetite.
After two days, Ella returned to the clinic as little Dinao’s condition was not improving. Read more
Lara-Richel
In 2005 Lara-Richel’s parents celebrated the birth of their beautiful little girl and there was never any doubt about her health. Her mom, Stiffeney, only suspected a problem years later when Lara struggled to potty-train Read more
William Smith
William Smith is a 12-year-old boy who lost both his arms after being electrocuted while climbing a high-voltage power post to investigate a bird’s nest. Read more
Anam Jika
Six-year old Anam was on her way to school in De Doorns, a small town in the Western Cape, when tragedy struck. A truck hit her with such impact that she sustained multiple injuries including critical damage to her liver and head. Anam was treated at the scene by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics and rushed to the hospital in nearby Worcester by EMS ambulance where doctors were able to stabilise her. Read more
Kieron Prince
Kieren Prince was only 16 months old when she grabbed a mug of boiling hot tea, which spilled on her face, neck and chest on May 17, 2010 Read more
Enrique Garcia
Enrique Garcia is almost five years old. In October last year he started developing intermittent facial paralysis, which progressed to epileptic seizures. He was first treated in JHB and then referred for specialist care to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.
Read more
Baby Lenique and Mom Rene
Lenique is a happy, 6 month old baby with a contagious smile who loves attention. But she hasn’t always been this way recently. Lenique has Tuberculosis Meningitis and after lifesaving treatment at the Hospital this tenacious baby girl is finally back to her usual self. Read more
Meet Niyaaz
Niyaaz is 4 years old and so familiar with his many chronic illnesses that he is able to tell you exactly what he can and cannot eat. He's been sick since he was a little baby and thanks to the extraordinary medical professionals at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, he has been given a second chance of life. Read more
Milani Qongqo
Little Milani Qongqo was rushed to the Burns Ward after pulling the cord of a boiling kettle which burnt his chest and chin. Despite this, Milani is still smiling and loves attention. Read more
Sammelyn Dreyer
Sammelyn Dreyer survived a terrible accident that left 45% of her body burned but against all odds she’s still managed to remain a happy and positive little girl. Read more
Sudi Mutombo
Little Sudi Mutombo from Congo was only two years old when his grandmother brought him to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital where he diagnosed and treated for Sickle Cell Anaemia at the Hospital’s Oncology Unit. Read more
Thokozile Mdlalose
Thokozile Mdlalose was born with congenital liver abnormalities and received a lifesaving liver transplant at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Read more
Sibulele Liwani
Sibulele Liwani is a 13 year old boy who has a smile to warm the coldest day. But, when he was just two months old he contracted Bacterial Meningitis, which had a significant effect on his physical development. Read more
Tavonga Chikwenya
Tavonga is a normal, inquisitive little boy who was severely burnt with water when he inadvertently knocked a pot of boiling rice over himself when he was 2 years old. Read more
Your donations go a long way to helping the staff at this leading paediatric hospital care for the many children that walk through its doors each day.
