Meet Andrew

“If anything, else ever, happens to my baby Victoria Hospital’s Paediatric Department will be my first port of call.”  These are the words of nine-month-old Andrew’s mom, Roxanne.

When baby Andrew was born at Groote Schuur Hospital, he was diagnosed with Ventriculomegaly, which is a heart defect, as well as Clubfoot and spinal defects. His concerned mother, not knowing what to expect was fearful yet full of hope that her little one is in good hands.

Since he first opened his eyes and took his first breath, he has spent the first 12 days of his life in ICU. Shortly after, when he was stabilised, he was transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital for next journey towards healing.

Roxanne’s baby son would spend the next three months at the Children’s Hospital. But his journey does not end there. As he grows, Andrew will need to attend regular clinics at Red Cross Children’s Hospital that include neurology and cardiology treatments to help him on his healing journey.

The Red Cross Children’s Hospital and Victoria Hospital are part of the family network of hospitals who work together to heal little ones. While Red Cross offers sub-specialist care, district hospitals like the Paediatric Outpatient Department at Victoria Hospital cares for little ones closer to home and eases the expense of traveling and financial burden on caregivers.

At Victoria Hospital Andrew was treated for Meningitis and Bronchitis. Andrew’s mother was amazed. She said she felt the heart and love of the staff and the extra mile they go to help them and to make their journey go more smoothly.

“When we came here, I was very nervous. We got here; they looked at him, did tests, drew some blood and gave him some medication. Andrew perked up and was even playing in his cot,” Roxanne recounts.

“I have got nothing but praise and thanks for the doctors and nurses at this hospital,” says Roxanne as she wipes the tears from her face.

Her eyes are as full of gratitude as the tears that fall from them.

Now, peacefully asleep in the hospital cot covered with a blue and maroon blanket her little one is safe, and Roxanne has hope.

The happy mom says the treatment her son received was stellar; she said she is glad that her son would be returning to Victoria Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatient Department for some of his check-ups.

“If I had a million-rand cheque I would write it to better their services and wards, but I don’t have that money,” she laughs.

Roxanne and 7 000 other moms rely on the help of donors to bring back the laughter of little ones in their care.100% of your donations will help us build an improved space and increase the ventilation for the Paediatric Outpatient Department for little ones like Andrew!