THE Naicker family anticipated baby Zayden’s first birthday on February 26 as a moment of joyous celebration. Instead, they are met by a difficult medical struggle that has dominated the baby’s life.

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The diagnosis

Zayden was born in Merebank in February 2025 through an emergency C-section. His family felt immense happiness at his arrival. Almost a year later in January, the family was met with the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.  This rare genetic condition affects various parts of the body and can lead to the growth of multiple cysts, tumours and other irregularities through a person’s life.

Besides Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, Zayden has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, macrocephaly, global developmental delay, bifid ribs and life-threatening seizures.

Key explanations

• While Gorlin-Gotz syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, in 20% to 30% of cases there is no family history and it occurs spontaneously due to the de novo (new) mutation.
• Hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain, is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to intense pressure and damage to the brain tissues
• Macrocephaly defines a condition whereby a baby has an abnormally large head circumference. It is usually two standard deviations of the average for age and sex.
• Global Development Delay is a term given to children typically under five-years-old that are significantly lagging behind in two or more development domains.
• Bifid ribs is a rare congenital anomaly where the sternal end of a rib splits into two and becomes forked.

Also read: Southlands Sun 27 February 2026

Happy-go-lucky

His mother, Krizelle Naicker, said that Zayden is a source of joy and in spite of the difficulties he faces every day, he still tries to remain the jovial baby he is. “When I see him babble and smile, I cannot help but laugh and smile,” said Krizelle.

Yet, behind her laughter is a painful plea of a mother wishing for her child to be better. “As a mother it has been a very heartbreaking journey to watch my baby go through so much at such a young age. I would do anything to take his place. I have seen him on his death bed where his heart rate had dropped to 10 because of a traumatic seizure, it felt like I was dying as well,” she said.

There is no cure

Krizelle explained that Gorlin-Goltz syndrome has no cure and needs constant management throughout a person’s life. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms as they appear, which means Zayden needs continuous observation by a team of experts.

The financial pressure has been very hard on the family. Without medical insurance, the rising hospital bills, travel costs, and lodging have quickly used up their savings and credit.

“Zayden requires regular visits to multiple specialists, including pediatricians, neurologists, dermatologists and cardiologists,” she said.

Krizelle added that during these visits he goes for numerous MRIs, blood tests, overnight EEGs, speech, physical and occupational therapy sessions and ultrasounds.

Help support the family

The family has started a Backabuddy campaign to help pay for Zayden’s ongoing medical costs. To support Zayden you can make a donation at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/supporting-baby-zaydens-journey or you can donate directly into Krizelle’s Capitec account, account number 1362519934.

As Zayden turns one, his family hopes that the community will support their little fighter and give him a chance to live a comfortable life.

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