After years of struggling with a squint and schoolyard teasing, young Ronny is finally stepping into a brighter, more confident future thanks to a life-changing surgery with the Children’s Hospital Trust!
Cape Town, South Africa (31 August 2026) – No mother wants to see her little one experience the harshness of this world, but sadly, it is often inevitable.
Mary first noticed her son Ronny’s eyes crossing when he was just seven months old. At first, she didn’t think much of it. He was otherwise healthy, and she assumed he would simply outgrow it.
But when his eyes were still noticeably squinting after his first birthday, she knew it could no longer be ignored and sought help. A doctor advised her to move her finger in front of his eyes to exercise them, but the technique brought no change.
Though a few years passed and Ronny managed to get by fairly well, problems began when he started primary school, where kids teased him and mocked him relentlessly. Hurt and lacking the words to express his frustration, the little boy began lashing out and fighting back.
His mother knew she had to intervene, and so last year, she took Ronny to Tygerberg Hospital.
After signing up for the Children’s Hospital Trust Surgical Weekend Waiting List Project, Ronny will finally get to receive the surgery that will not only correct his squint but also restore his confidence and help him move around in a world where he feels happy and comfortable.
As for his mother, while understandably anxious about the surgery, she is overjoyed that her son can finally move forward and enjoy just being a child.
“I am happy for him,” Mary says.
The generous donors who support the Surgical Weekend Waiting List Project give far more than financial support. They are giving children like Ronny the chance to heal, to restore their self-esteem and, most importantly, to smile again.
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Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust
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