Mia is a week old, fighting for her life in the ICU, and her parents have not even had the opportunity to hold their baby girl yet. Let’s show the Hattingh’s that they are not alone in standing by their bravest little fighter.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 July 2026) – Mia was born a week ago. Welcoming her into this world was the biggest joy for her parents – the Hattingh’s – but it was also the beginning of the toughest fight of their lives.
Doctors had already warned the family during pregnancy that Mia would be born with a complete heart block and would need a pacemaker to survive. Then, on the night she was born, her tiny heart went into failure, and several of her organs became enlarged.
At just three days old, before her parents had even had the chance to hold her, Mia underwent life-saving surgery to have a pacemaker implanted.
Today, she is in the Pediatric ICU, where she continues to fight with incredible strength. She is currently on a ventilator to help her breathe and to allow her little body to recover while removing excess fluid from her lungs. Every day is filled with hope, prayers, and waiting for the small victories that mean so much,” the family shares.
It is impossible to imagine what these parents are going through. Watching their newborn daughter fight for every breath, while they wait, hope, and pray for each small sign of progress. And through it all, they haven’t left her side, and they have not let go of hope.
“Every day is filled with hope, prayers, and waiting for the small victories that mean so much.”
Along this difficult path, they have shared their journey on social media and online. Friends, family and even strangers have surrounded the Hattingh’s with support, encouragement, prayers and kindness.
“We cannot begin to express our gratitude to everyone who has prayed for us, sent messages of encouragement, and supported us so far. Your kindness has carried us through some of our darkest moments.”
Being there for Mia comes at a cost the family can’t face alone. The Hattingh’s must cover their accommodation near the hospital, meals, travel back and forth, time away from work, and medical bills not covered by their medical aid. All of it is mounting by the day. The financial strain makes the already unbearable emotional journey even more difficult.
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Martin – Mia’s dad – has launched an online crowdfunding campaign, hoping to raise R150,000 to help ease the load while Mia continues her fight in ICU. So far, the campaign has raised R9729. This is the opportunity for South Africans to step in and show that how together, anything is possible. Any battle can be won.
“If you are able to contribute in any way, no matter how small, it would mean the world to our family. If you’re unable to donate, sharing our campaign with your friends and family is just as valuable and helps us reach more people,” the family said.
Despite everything, there is so much hope in how this family speaks about their little girl.
“She has already shown us what a brave little fighter she is, and we believe every prayer, every message, and every act of kindness is helping carry her through this journey,” they say.
Not everyone can afford to support with a donation, but there are other ways to help through the small but powerful act of holding a stranger’s baby in our thoughts and prayers, and sharing her story so that more people can reach out to help.
If you would like to contribute to Baby Mia’s medical journey, or simply share her story further, you can find the crowdfunding campaign here.
Let’s show the Hattingh’s that they are not alone in standing by their bravest little fighter.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during the hardest chapter of our lives. We are forever grateful.”
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