FROM being told he would only live for three days to now preparing to celebrate his crown birthday, Ford Hartze-Saville continues to fight his battle with Eisenmenger Syndrome. 

Ford, who will celebrate his crown birthday on September 15, was diagnosed with a rare and severe condition that affects both the heart and lungs, necessitating transplants for the three organs. As a result of the syndrome, Ford requires oxygen 24 hours a day to simply breathe.

Also read: Every breath matters for Wentworth teen on oxygen machine

Overcoming the odds

Alecia Hartze, Ford’s mother, said that she gets emotional to think about how good God has been that her child gets to celebrate his 15^th birthday.  She added that while it is such a happy time in their home, it has been an incredibly painful journey to get to this point. 

“When I was pregnant, during a check-up the specialists had told me that Ford’s heart had been growing abnormally. The left-hand side of his heart grew at a slower pace compared to the right. They told us there that Ford would probably survive for three days only after birth, recommending for her to abort the child,” said Alecia.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Determined to see the pregnancy through, a faithful Alecia would go on to deliver a healthy and strong baby that now celebrates a milestone birthday.  

It has been a rough month for the family with Ford being in and out of hospital frequently, with the most recent trip on August 28. 

“His chest was tight; he had a persistent cough and his mobility was affected. Ford was admitted into ICU and during his stay the pulmonologist did x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, blood work, swab tests and his cardiologist also conducted some tests. Ford was nebulised, given antibiotic and put on a strict bed rest,” said Alecia. 

Ongoing challenges 

Ford has since been discharged and is back to living with his grandparents, which is still one of the major challenges the family faces. Alecia said that she is still hoping to find an architect that is willing to come out and inspect the property. It is a mother’s plea to have her son reunited with his siblings in their own home. 

“Ford has been staying with his grandparents for four months already. I still think back to Mother’s Day where I was able to spend time with all three of my children together, it was overwhelming in the best way possible,” she said. 

Another challenge the family has experienced recently is that Ford has been struggling to walk when going out in public. 

“Many times, we have gone to the shops and before we can even enter the shop, Ford just stops and is not able to walk. We are now looking to source him a mobility scooter that will allow him to move around and experience some normalcy,” she said. 

Despite the gravity of his health situation, Ford maintains a remarkably positive outlook.

“Ford has become quite the comedian and continues to create happy memories filled with laughter wherever he goes,” said Alecia.

A simple request

If you had to ask Ford what he would like for his 15^th birthday, like most boys his age, he would tell you he wants the latest Need for Speed Heat game. 

For a teenager who has spent so much of his life dealing with hospitals, oxygen and medical treatment, the birthday wish is a simple reminder that behind the illness is a 15-year-old boy who wants to enjoy life, have fun and be like any other teenager.

Help celebrate the special occasion

The family is calling on the community to once again help make Ford feel special on this milestone birthday. If you would like to support Ford and his family you can make a donation via his Backabuddy campaign at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-ford-breathe-easier. Alternatively, if you know anyone who can come and inspect Alecia’s property to help build a room for Ford, contact her on 081 376 1722.

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