Meet Brooklyn

“If you want the best for your child, go to Red Cross Children’s Hospital.”

Those are the words of Brooklyn’s private doctor in Johannesburg. Brooklyn’s family were living in Johannesburg when their private medical team encouraged them to do what they felt was best for their then three-year-old daughter.

Born with Spina Bifida, Brooklyn needed specialist care from birth.

Spina bifida occurs in the womb when a baby’s spinal cord doesn’t develop properly. It can range from mild to severe, with just a tiny gap in the spine being the mildest, to a gaping chasm that could expose the child to life-threatening infections. When she was born, Brooklyn needed a multidisciplinary team to keep her healthy.

It was difficult for her mom, Kayla, to accept the limitations of the care available to her, even with medical aid. So, it was an easy choice for their young family to uproot and move in search of optimal options for Brooklyn’s development. Cape Town would become their new home, and their child would receive the best care.

That was four years ago.

Kayla has come to trust the team at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. So much so, that when Brooklyn, now seven, had a bad fall and fractured her arm, Kayla insisted that the family cut short their holiday in Robertson and return to Cape Town immediately.

No other hospital would do. That was very clear.

After three spinal operations and other procedures, Brooklyn is comfortable with her medical team at the Children’s Hospital. Her neurosurgeon nicknamed her ‘Sparkles’, and the nurses call her ‘Diva”. A sense of endearment comes from unconditional acceptance, deep respect, and unquestionable belonging. Every child is welcomed at Red Cross – it’s a family.

Brooklyn’s Red Cross family know how important it is for her to play with her friends at school. Attending a mainstream school means that her friends are aware of her challenges and have an opportunity to participate in her journey. However, some children have a limited understanding of her condition, so Brooklyn has experienced bullying. Surrounded by love, this confident little girl is conquering hearts wherever she goes, and her hospital family are just as proud of her as her mom.

Next year Brooklyn will endure another spinal surgery; the fracture in her arm doesn’t seem nearly as disconcerting when we consider what she has already overcome. Kayla reminds us that having a child with Spina Bifida is exceptionally stressful. Patience and consideration are what every parent hopes the world will show their child. And when their child faces a challenge, every parent prays for angels to comfort, heal and support their little one. Now, that is why children like Brooklyn (aka Diva Sparkles) come to Red Cross.

“They are the best, I feel, in the whole of South Africa…having the doctors here that explain things nicely to you; they help you. It’s been an easier journey,” said Kayla, Brooklyn’s mom.

This little Diva will always take centre stage for those with a front-row seat. Donors who give to our Orthopaedic project turn on the spotlight for little Divas like Brooklyn. Thank you for helping our little stars sparkle!

100% of your donations will go directly to the new Orthopaedic Unit Project at Red Cross Hospital.