After fighting through major surgery and two years of medical hurdles, brave little Izzy just celebrated her first-ever solid meal and a joyful discharge home!
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 April 2026) – Oh, Izzy, what a fighter you are. A little girl, born with more complications than most people will ever experience in a lifetime, Izzy has finally returned back home.
After days in the hospital, last week she received her Nissen procedure – a major surgery that will help prevent severe reflux and aspiration.
“She was in theatre for longer than we had anticipated, and by the time we saw her being wheeled past into ICU, I could physically feel my body exhale. I think I’ve been holding my breath all day,” shares Founder of Bella’s Blessings, Lauren Matthewson-Woolard.
Although the surgery went well, it did become more complex than expected and had to be converted to an open procedure, meaning her recovery would be longer.
Izzy remained under the close eye of her doctors and in the caring hands of nurses, recovering slowly and steadily with each day. One of her nurses even braided her hair beautifully, making sure she felt extra special, loved, and comforted ahead of her procedure.
“We are so incredibly proud of our Izzy and her amazing resilience and determination. She has truly taken us all by surprise,” Lauren says.
She was moved back to her ward when she managed to hold her feeds, her pain medication was reduced, and she began breathing on her own without the aid of a ventilator, marking a huge step forward.
And on 24 April, two-year-old Izzy had her first solid meal EVER – marking a major milestone in her development. A moment that brought uncontainable joy to her carers.
“Mom (Lauren) was completely overwhelmed with emotion, Dad (Greg) was walking around beaming, and her dietician is over the moon!”
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South Africa, We Have SO Much Good News to Share With You!And then, as if that wasn’t enough to celebrate… the doctors decided that Izzy could be discharged that same day to continue recovering at home!
This little girl had tasted food for the first time and was returning home after what felt like ages by her hospital bedside.
As they embrace a whole new routine – one marked by hope, healing, thoughtful planning, and continuous learning –it’s truly inspiring to witness the remarkable resilience with which they’ve faced every challenge.
Izzy has fought tirelessly to reach this point, and we celebrate the extraordinarily courageous warrior she is.
Her care comes with immense and ongoing costs, and Bella’s Blessings is under urgent pressure to meet her needs. If you are able to assist, donate to the banking details below, or the crowdfund here.
- FNB Gold Account
- K2024345413 NPC t/a Bella’s Blessings
- Account Number: 63163887707
- Reference: Izzy
Sources: Lauren Matthewson-Woolard | Bella’s Blessings
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