The first few weeks of motherhood for Anna Botes were terrifying and unexpected to say the least.

Mr and Mrs Botes welcomed their first child Garon on June 20, 2001. Baby Garon was diagnosed with an enlarged heart a few weeks later. Further tests revealed that he had a rare congenital heart condition.

This resulted in a very weak heart and could have led to cardiac failure. At just three-weeks-old, little Garon had his first heart attack and at three-months-old, he had to have his first open heart surgery procedure.

Doctors thought his prognosis would be very poor, but Garon’s fighting spirit surprised everyone. At one-year-old, the toddler was making a full recovery, just hours after risky operations.

Last week, the Estcourt News staff had the pleasure of meeting the brave, 17-year-old ‘miracle baby’ Garon who was recently featured in our feature ‘This week in history’.

SEE IT HERE: #ThrowBackThursday: This week in history

With scars to prove his painful medical history, he said: “My health is good; I still have regular check-ups and take medication.”

His grandmother, Martie Rall could not control her tears as she recalled the time her first grandchild had to go through so much pain.

“It was a terrible time but donations to Garon’s trust fund and prayers carried us through,” said Mrs Rall tearfully.

Mrs Rall is enjoying every bit of the school holidays with Garon and his younger sister, Alana who are in Estcourt from Newcastle to visit.

The teen now enjoys just about any activity and his family is delighted with the progress he has made.
We wish Garon many healthy years ahead.

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