Heart warming story out of heart wrenching times
SUNNINGHILL - A six-year-old, who underwent open-heart surgery, warmed the hearts of Sunninghill's Chilli Lane Shopping Centre.
Kevin Coetzee was born with two heart defects and was in need of open-heart surgery. His mother, Nicoleen, and grandmother, travelled with Kevin from their Witbank home to Sunninghill Hospital in order for him to undergo the operation. With financial constraints the family needed a place to stay and meals.
Non-profit organisation, Save Our Families Foundation and Trust (Through Inspiration and Care), stepped up to appeal to community members in Sunninghill to help the family. Woodmead Lodge offered accommodation and Chilli Lane Shopping Centre handed over food vouchers.
Restaurants Primi Piatti, Doppio Zero and Nando’s, as well as the shopping centre itself, contributed to ensure the family did not go hungry during the tense time.
Nicoleen Coetzee said, “I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for their help, prayers and messages. It has been appreciated so, so much. A special thanks to Liza Welsh of the foundation for all she has done, she is an angel and is always ready to help.”
Kevin is now recovering from his surgery at home but he will return to Sunninghill Hospital for check-ups. Coetzee explained that the surgery did not all go according to plan and was longer than expected. “However, when Kevin woke up, he pulled the ventilators out and started to breathe on his own. That was a very good sign,” she added.
While Kevin is now doing well, the family is still struggling financially. “It seems that everything is going wrong at the moment. Our car broke down and our garage was broken into and everything was stolen, including Kevin and his sister’s bicycles.” Riding his bicycle is one of Kevin’s favourite activities to do with his sister.
Coetzee appealed to the public to help the family with donations.
Details: www.sofftsa.org or info@sofftsa.org
