For two incredibly difficult years, a single mother in Cape Town lived in constant fear, barely sleeping, terrified that her son Melokuhle’s rare breathing condition would worsen overnight. Her prayers have finally been answered, as Melokuhle’s surgery has been scheduled, giving them both hope that he’ll get to live a healthier and happier life.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 February 2025) – A single mother in Cape Town has spent two harrowing years caring for her son, Melokuhle, who battles a rare condition that severely compromises his breathing. Often gripped by fear, she struggles to sleep, terrified he’ll have breathing difficulties during the night. She’s had to miss work every day he gets too sick as she waits for her boy to receive the surgery he desperately needs to get better.
Thanks to the incredible support from the Children’s Hospital Trust and its donors, four-year-old Melokhule will finally receive the surgery he and his mother have been waiting for to improve his health.
Two years ago, mom, Nonthuthuzelo noticed her son would snore heavily and foam at the mouth when sleeping. They visited their local clinic, where doctors prescribed medication to clear Melokuhle’s sinuses, but the problem persisted.
“At night, I have to hold him to help with his breathing,” she recalls.
According to the Children’s Hospital Trust, Nonthuthuzelo took Melokuhle back to the clinic where they were referred to a specialist at Langa Clinic, who then referred them to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH).
Specialists at the RCWMCH determined that Melokuhle’s tonsils and adenoids were enlarged and obstructing his breathing. They would need to be removed but, because his surgery was not deemed an emergency, he was placed on a waiting list.
Helpless, Nonthuthuzelo struggled for two years. Even though Melokuhle’s condition was not life-threatening, it had a huge impact on both his and his mom’s well-being.
The problems with his tonsils and adenoids have caused continual infections and Nonthuthuzelo has been constantly worried about receiving calls from her son’s school informing her of Melokuhle having a fever and needing to be fetched from school.
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She’s missed countless days of work caring for him, facing mounting financial pressure and the fear of losing her job.
Eventually, the strain almost became too much to bear and Nonthuthuzelo even considered sending him to KwaZulu-Natal to live with her mother. But then, the call came that Melokuhle’s surgery had been scheduled!
Finally getting to breathe a sigh of relief, Nonthuthuzelo is incredibly grateful for the hope that the Children’s Hospital Trust has offered her and Melokuhle.
With Melokuhle scheduled to undergo the surgery soon, his mom is overcome with emotion as she reflects on the hard journey they’ve endured but is also filled with hope that he will finally have a chance to get better, attend school and live a full life.
Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust
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