South Africans rally to raise over R540,000 for baby Brayden’s life-saving medical treatment, defying the odds and showcasing the power of community compassion.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 March 2024) – South Africans from all walks of life have come together to raise an incredible R541,702 to support baby Brayden, a six-week-old infant fighting a severe congenital abnormality.
Travis and Kylie Basson’s journey to parenthood has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After trying for a couple of years to conceive, the couple were overjoyed to discover they were expecting their first child. However, a routine 20-week sonar scan delivered devastating news: their unborn son Brayden had a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a condition with a grim prognosis.
Despite facing odds stacked against them, with doctors giving Brayden just a 15% chance of survival, Travis and Kylie were determined to do everything in their power to give their son a fighting chance. Inspired by Travis’ late brother Byron, they named their unborn child Brayden, believing he was a gift from Byron. Their extensive research led them to the FETO procedure in Belgium, which promised to increase Brayden’s survival rate to 40-50%.
Travelling to Belgium was a leap of faith for the couple. However, their journey was fraught with challenges. Kylie’s water broke prematurely, nine weeks ahead of schedule, leading to a tense and uncertain period where every moment counted. Despite the odds, Brayden managed to hold on until 37 weeks, defying expectations and emerging as a resilient fighter from the moment he was born on 9th January, weighing 2.45kgs.
“Our Brayden has shown from that first day what a little fighter he is, overcoming every obstacle thrown his way,” says Brayden’s grandfather.
While Brayden’s indomitable spirit has been a source of hope and inspiration for his family, the financial burden of his medical care has been overwhelming. With a NICU bill of R1,300,000 for just one month and doctors predicting another month of hospitalisation, Travis and Kylie have found themselves grappling with unanticipated expenses that threatened to derail their hopes of bringing Brayden home.
Despite their best efforts, including reaching out to their medical aid in South Africa, the couple have faced rejection and mounting financial pressure.
Travis, who had been granted three months of paid leave by his employer, made the difficult decision to return to South Africa to manage their finances and maintain their medical aid coverage, leaving his newborn son in the NICU.
The emotional toll on the family has been immense, with Brayden’s condition teetering on the brink at critical moments, leaving his parents fearing the worst. Yet, time and again, Brayden has defied expectations, showing remarkable resilience and fighting spirit.
Recognising the urgent need for support, South Africans have rallied together to help baby Brayden.
The outpouring of generosity has been nothing short of extraordinary, with donations pouring in to reach a total of R541,702 in less than a month. While there is still a long way to go to meet the R1.3 million target, the unwavering support from the community gives hope to Travis, Kylie, and baby Brayden.
“They say it takes a village, and this village is definitely coming together for baby Brayden,” said a social media user.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings Brayden’s family one step closer to covering his medical expenses and bringing him home where he belongs. To join the village in supporting Brayden’s fight for life, you can donate to the cause here.
Together, we can make a difference and help Brayden continue to defy the odds.