Latest test results bring hope for Juván

Update

GEORGE NEWS - After weeks of trauma, uncertainty and countless prayers, the 15-month-old Juván Havenga has taken another miraculous step forward.

On Monday 30 June, he was extubated and is now breathing on his own with the support of high-flow oxygen.

“His little lungs are working again,” said his mother, Adelizé.

“After everything he’s been through, from cardiac arrest to surgeries and so many complications, this is nothing short of a miracle. We are holding onto hope and faith as he continues to fight.”

This is the latest breakthrough in a long and difficult journey for this toddler from Wilderness, whose courage and will to live continue to amaze everyone following his story.

His family firmly believes every prayer, every message and every kind thought sent their way has carried them through this storm.

“We are witnessing God’s mercy and Juván’s incredible courage day by day,” said Adelizé.

Clear scan, new lifeline

Just days before this, more good news arrived.

After everything he had been through, Juván’s EEG (electroencephalogram) results came back completely clear. The scan showed no signs of brain damage, swelling or seizure activity.

To further support his fragile body, a new Broviac line was successfully placed straight into his heart, allowing him to safely receive vital intravenous nutrition (TPN), fluids and medication again. This lifeline became essential after weeks of complications, including a pleural effusion, chest drain and being placed back on a ventilator.

Adelizé Havenga at her baby boy's bedside in Cape Town.

A battle from the beginning

In June 2024, Juván was diagnosed with rotavirus.

Within weeks, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and after treatment at Mediclinic George, he was referred to Panorama Mediclinic in Cape Town, where he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called autoimmune enteropathy (AIE). This condition causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine, making digestion impossible.

He was placed on TPN and, after several months in hospital, was allowed home in November 2024 with a dedicated home care team and his mother constantly by his side.

But in May this year, Juván accidentally pulled out his Broviac line. Multiple failed reinsertion attempts followed, and a temporary line had to be placed in his groin.

Then, on 8 June, he suffered kidney failure, sepsis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory arrest and ultimately cardiac arrest.

Juván’s EEG results came back completely clear.