After 150 days in hospital Baby weighs 1.72kg
Mother and baby’s conditions are improving - Ruaché is breathing on her own and Mari is on her way to a new kidney.
A deeply emotional fund-raiser was held for Glen Marais premature-born baby Ruaché Botha and her mother Mari at Hoërskool Jeugland’s restaurant on Saturday morning.
In Ruaché’s absence, her parents featured a slideshow in portrayal of her struggle and with infinite grace and mercy, it also reflected how Ruaché’s condition is improving.
On her 150th day in hospital, Ruaché weighed 1.72kg and can breathe on her own.
Her dad Johan said: “Ruaché is on two-hourly feedings and her blood tests look better. We are so grateful for every little bit of progress.”
Mari told attending friends and family of the extremely trying journey she and her baby had been faced with since Ruaché’s premature birth on May 15.
Upon entering the restaurant, the atmosphere was filled with emotion. Tears were streaming down guests’ faces as songs were sung to glorify the amazing strides that had been made by a tiny baby and her ill mother.
Mari said: “Our story hit us in a time when you could not have been less prepared. Even during my own suffering when my kidney function lingered between six and eight per cent, I couldn’t stop thinking about Ruaché and everything she had to endure.”
She said she had officially been put on the list for a new kidney.
“In hindsight and seeing how far we’ve come, one realises that God carries you through such times to survive in honour and glory of His name,” said Mari.
Lourentia de Kock said: “I’m going to serve Mari’s team with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If God says ‘go do,’ and you are devoted, you’ve seen nothing yet,” she said.
De Kock has been a private practising psychologist since 1995. She regularly writes for magazines and has also been on multiple radio talk shows.
“One’s name holds a spiritual journey for one’s life. Ruaché means ‘breath of God’ and her spiritual journey began the moment she was born,” said Lourentia.
