Little Heart Warrior is back on her feet

Ashley Meerkotter (2) was diagnosed with a rare heart condition after she was born, whereafter she had to undergo an intensive operation. She recently celebrated her birthday as well as Heart Awareness Month and is now healthier than ever.

In celebration of Heart Awareness Month, the Randfontein Herald held an exclusive interview with Ashley’s parents to see how she is doing now. Adriaan and Elmarie were happy to announce that Ashley is in good health and ready to live an adventurous life.

Ashley was diagnosed with VSD at just six weeks old. She had to undergo a serious operation in October 2023 from which she successfully recovered.

“After we visited the heart specialist recently to do a very important check-up, the doctor informed us that Ashley would not be needing any more surgeries. She is healthy, and she has great potential for the future,” Adriaan said.

Furthermore, Adriaan also added that February is usually recognised as the month of love, however, very few people know that it is also used to celebrate survivors of heart conditions. Since Ashley had a small hole in her heart, her parents made it their goal to call her a heart warrior. They also celebrate Heart Awareness Month every year to help spread awareness.

“It is about making other people aware. One out of every 100 babies is born with some sort of heart defect, and not a lot of people know that. It is important to make people aware of the dangers and that it can happen to anyone,” he said.