After overcoming tuberculosis meningitis and developing a serious eye condition, little Valencia is finally getting the life-changing surgery she needs, giving her and her mother renewed hope for a healthier, happier future filled with possibility.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 August 2026) – When little Valencia was just three years old, she suddenly fell ill with tuberculosis meningitis, a severe form of tuberculosis that, if undiagnosed and left untreated, leads to dire neurological complications and high mortality.
Concerned about her sick child, mom Vanessa immediately sought medical care, and Valencia was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital, where the little girl was subsequently operated on.
According to the Children’s Hospital Trust (CHT), soon after the operation, Vanessa noticed that her daughter’s eyes turned outward, especially when she was tired or simply looking into the distance. Valencia remained under the care of Brooklyn Chest Hospital until she was five years old, and was consequently referred to Tygerberg Hospital because of the eye condition.
Although doctors had confirmed that something was wrong with her eyes, the worried mother delayed the operation until this year.
“I had not really processed the previous operation, which was very stressful for me, and now she had to be operated on again. I was nervous,” Vanessa admits.
Now at eight years old, and thanks to CHT’s Surgical Waiting List Project, made possible through the generosity of donors, Valencia now has the opportunity to undergo surgery that will improve her vision and result in a lasting difference to her wellbeing, development and future!
She is at Tygerberg Hospital accompanied by her loving mother. As part of the upcoming surgery, doctors will weaken and reattach the outer muscles that move each eye outward, further back on the eyeball.
Vanessa shared that the condition has affected Valencia in several ways, such as preferring to keep to herself at school and struggling to concentrate.
Saturday’s surgery will help alleviate many of the challenges Valencia has faced and significantly improve her quality of life. Both she and her devoted mother are relieved to know that she will soon be able to live a happier, healthier life.
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“By helping to reduce lengthy surgical waiting lists, the initiative ensures that children like Valencia can access the essential procedures they need to thrive and enjoy the healthy, fulfilling lives they deserve,” CHT said.
Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust
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