The South African community’s united efforts have brought baby Brayden home, showcasing the power of collective compassion and solidarity.
Pretoria, South Africa (27 April 2024)—South Africa recently rallied together to support baby Brayden, a newborn facing a challenging congenital condition. Brayden and his resilient family’s journey has touched the hearts of many, culminating in a triumphant return home.
Travis and Kylie Basson, whose arduous journey toward parenthood was met with joyous anticipation upon Kylie’s pregnancy, were confronted with a daunting reality during a routine scan. The diagnosis for Brayden was dire, presenting the couple with unforeseen obstacles. Undeterred, they embarked on a quest for treatment abroad, driven by unwavering determination to give their son the best possible chance at life.
Brayden’s premature arrival only added to the complexity of their situation, yet his unwavering spirit illuminated the path forward. However, the financial burdens associated with his care loomed large, threatening to overshadow the family’s hopes and dreams.
Amidst the trials they faced, Travis returned home to navigate the intricate web of expenses, leaving Brayden under the vigilant care of medical professionals overseas. Despite the physical distance, the bond between parent and child remained unbreakable, fueled by the unwavering support of their community.
In a remarkable turn of events, the collective efforts of the South African community transcended boundaries and barriers, raising the necessary funds to facilitate Brayden’s journey back home. The outpouring of generosity and compassion has brought hope to the Basson family, reaffirming their faith in humanity.
With the invaluable assistance of Asociația Blondie, Brayden finally returned home to South Africa, where he is currently receiving specialised care in the NICU in Pretoria. Despite the ongoing challenges on the road to recovery, the family remains steadfast in their belief in Brayden’s resilience and the medical professionals’ unwavering dedication to him.
Brayden’s parents, Travis and Kylie, expressed their profound gratitude to all those who contributed to their cause, emphasising the profound impact of collective action in times of need. Their heartfelt message has resonated deeply with supporters, echoing the sentiment of appreciation and humility.
“We as a family would like to thank you for sharing the story of bringing baby Brayden home; we really appreciate you spreading the word about Brayden’s journey and the phenomenal way South Africans stood together to bring this little warrior home.”
Grandma Lisa Basson conveyed the family’s heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals who contributed to Brayden’s journey, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Backabuddy team in exceeding their expectations.
“To all the people worldwide that contributed big and small we appreciate you all, these funds have helped so much on the journey to bringing Brayden home safely.”
The funds raised have been used to pay the outstanding amount owed to the hospital in Belgium. The family still has an amount in excess of R3 million to somehow find a way to pay.
“Our little warrior is in the NICU in Pretoria, SA; he is doing well, and we hope that he will be able to go home soon to be with his mom and dad. The journey to full health continues but we have all the faith in him and the Doctors and staff assisting him.”
“We have been very fortunate – an unbelievable miracle happened – we were approached by a Charity that assisted in getting Brayden, Travis and Kylie home safely. They arranged for a flight that could accommodate all the medical equipment that would be needed to keep Brayden stable on the flight and a medical team to fly with them to manage his oxygen levels; without this help, we would not have been able to come home at this stage. Unfortunately, due to the change in altitude and the long flight home, Brayden is on oxygen again and will remain in NICU until such time as doctors are happy to discharge him.”
As Brayden continues his journey toward full health, surrounded by the love and support of his devoted family and friends, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community solidarity.
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