Cape Town - Christmas came early for the family of four-year-old Samantha Nwelana of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, following much needed surgery to repair a hole in her heart.
Samantha is one of 13 children whose operations were made possible by the Pelo Foundation and its partners the Busamed Private Hospital Group in Gauteng, and Wings and Wishes, an NGO which transports the children from their homes to the hospital and back.
According to the Pelo Foundation, the Eastern Cape province alone has about 500 children who are on the waiting list for heart surgery.
Speaking from her home in Mandela Park, a village outside Mthatha, Samantha’s mother Nomfusi said she was relieved that the operation was a success and that her child will for the first time enjoy Christmas like other children.
“I’m relieved. It will be the first time that Samantha is not in pain. Our family is looking forward to having a great festive season.”
Samantha’s heart condition was discovered in June 2021. As her situation deteriorated, compromising her health, the Pelo Foundation stepped in to assist with funding.
Nwelana said before the surgery, her daughter was always in constant pain.
“I was always worried as I did not know what was going to happen to her. She was very sick and doctors had to cancel the first operation when her health deteriorated. Now this second time around, my baby girl was strong and healthy,” she said.
Pelo Foundation spokesperson Dudu Mvimbi Leshabane said if children born with severe heart conditions do not receive immediate medical intervention, they could suffer further health complications or may even die.
“Normally, children can be on the waiting list for about two years.
“I hope that there will be many entities that will come forward and collaborate so that we may assist in saving more lives,” Leshabane said.
The success of the operation means a lot to the Nwelana family.
“I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for my child to get the surgery. She is here at home recovering well,” Nwelana said.
Cape Times