Step by step, Juván keeps fighting

Update

GEORGE NEWS - With every small movement, sip and smile, 15-month-old Juván Havenga from Wilderness is showing just how powerful courage, love and faith can be.

Now breathing on his own and free of the tubes and wires that once surrounded him, Juván is slowly but surely reclaiming his world.

Through intensive rehabilitation and therapy, he is learning to sit again - even if only for a few moments at a time.

"It may seem small, but for us it's a miracle," says his mother, Adelizé. "Every wobble, every effort, every tear and every smile shows his courage. We are so proud of our warrior boy. One day at a time, one milestone at a time."

This week brought another breakthrough when Juván began to relearn the art of eating and drinking. What most children do instinctively, he is tackling with patience and determination.

"Step by step, sip by sip, bite by bite… every little swallow is a huge victory," says Adelizé.

"It reminds us that with hard work, faith and love, miracles are possible."

A long road behind and ahead

Diagnosed with autoimmune enteropathy (AIE), a rare and life-threatening condition that prevents his body from absorbing food, Juván relies on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) delivered through a Broviac line directly into his heart.

Earlier this year, complications led to kidney failure, sepsis, metabolic and respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and spent 16 days on a ventilator, but against all odds survived with no brain damage.

Since then, he has been working with neuro-physiotherapists and speech therapists to rebuild strength and coordination.

For the first time in weeks, his sister could recently see him again, and his mother was able to hold him without the barrier of machines.

Juván takes his first bite of baby marrow.

Community support still vital

But the road ahead is long, and medical and living costs continue to climb.

The Havengas have already spent nearly R400 000 on specialist therapy, medical supplies, travel, accommodation near Mediclinic Panorama and basic items not covered by medical aid.

To donate or to find out more about how you can support baby Juván’s fight, follow ‘Juván’s Miracle Mission’ on Facebook, or donate on BackaBuddy.

Juván and his mom in hospital.