Ben was born with a complicated long gap oesophageal atresia.  He had his first operation when he was one day old.  He had a long gap OA which could not be primarily repaired and the surgeons brought out a gastrostomy (feeding tube in the stomach) and oesophagostomy (small opening for saliva in his neck).  When he was 4 months old he had a gastric pull-up and spend a long time in hospital.  We realized what parents had to go through and decided that no one should go through this alone.  It took us a while but due to our experience, Ben and all the wonderful children and families in South Africa, we decided to start this group.  There are many stories like this and we hope to help all patients and their families.  

When I first heard Chris would be born with this condition, I felt confused at helpless.  He had had a half-dozen tubes coming out of him and had to have surgery straight after he was born.  I felt afraid and alone and it was hard to trust that he would recover.  Today when I look at him running off to school with his backpack, I feel proud and amazed at how far he has come.

Jo-Haiden with an OA and TOF repaired soon after birth at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital.  Had 2 dilatations to date and are doing well.

Heinrich was op dag 3 geopereer vir ‘n Tipe C OA en was 3 weke in NICU.  Hy het daarna met ‘n koppie gevoed, totdat hy sterk genoeg was om te borsvoed.  Hy het 11 dilatasies gehad voor hy 18 maande oud was.  Hy sukkel soms met sy longe, het soms kos wat vasteek en refluks as hy verkeerd eet, maar ontwikkel verder normaal.

Shelton Tofile is almost 4.  He was transfered to George Mukhari Academic Hospital shortly after birth where he was diagnosed with OA.

Malia was born with VACTERL anomalies including OA and TOF.  She teaches me how to be happy and stay strong no matter what.   No obstacle is too big for her.