UPDATE: Baby Naomi gets her angel wings

The Harris family of Mandeni has said their final goodbyes to their precious daughter, Naomi, who passed away on Sunday evening – a mere 12 hours before her scheduled heart surgery.

Naomi, who was diagnosed with mitral regurgitation in November last year at only eight months old, was originally scheduled to undergo a mitral valve replacement at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, but was transported back to Durban to have the surgery at eThekhwini Heart Hospital.

After multiple delays due to complications with her medical aid, the family was given the go-ahead, but on Sunday evening she went into heart failure.

The Caylum Willemse Foundation, which assists with funding for children in need, and was part of Naomi’s journey made the announcement on their Facebook page on Sunday evening.

“It is with great sadness that we share that Baby Naomi received her angel wings tonight. She was a mere 12 hours away from receiving the surgery that could possibly save her life. She and her mom, dad and older brother has fought such an inspiring battle.

“Naomi we know you will look after your family and bring them God’s peace in this time. We will always remember you and work hard to keep your legacy growing.

“Our thoughts and prayers with mom, dad and big brother. Thank you to everyone who tried so hard to help her.”