Somewhere in Middelburg, two little boys are waiting for their baby sister to come home. Parents Johanrie and Alex Hall, together with soon-to-be big brothers Zi-Jandré (5) and Divandré (4), are preparing to welcome a baby girl into the world.
But with the excitement comes the heartbreaking reality that she will need open-heart surgery shortly after birth.
Her name is Lumieke.
She is expected to arrive in mid-July, and she is already fighting for her life.
During a routine sonar, doctors discovered that Lumieke has both a hole in her heart and a tumour inside the organ. Surgery has been planned at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg soon after her birth.
The family needs approximately R200 000 for the caesarean section and Lumieke’s first operation.
So far, nineteen contributions were made and R20 600 has been raised.
Time may not be on their side, but a town with a big heart, is.
Since the Hall family first shared Lumieke’s story, messages of prayer, encouragement and financial support have continued pouring in from the community.
“Our little girl will be here in less than eight weeks, and we truly need help,” Johanrie shared in a recent update.
“But the expenses are growing by the day.”
The estimated costs exclude specialist consultations, accommodation and travel expenses between the hospital and home.
Support from the community has brought comfort to the family during an uncertain and emotional time. “Thank you to everyone for every contribution,” “We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.” Johanrie said.
Through every uncertain week of waiting, Lumieke keeps reminding her family that she is still fighting. She turns. She kicks. She wiggles. Each movement reminds her family that she wants to live.
With surgery only weeks away, the Hall family clings to hope and faith for her little life.
One day soon, Zi-Jandré and Divandré will finally bring their baby sister home. A little girl already surrounded by extraordinary support from an extraordinary community.
Little Lumieke needs Middelburg to back her beating heart.
