Mamma Mia, she’s the Lowveld’s very own miracle!

“Looking at her now, you’d never say she had open-heart surgery just seven weeks ago.”

These were the words of White River resident Kylie Grundling, whose six-year-old daughter, Mia, underwent a life-changing operation at the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in Sandton last month, to cover a hole that had opened up in her heart.

Now, just seven weeks on, Mia has returned to White River Primary School where she is in Grade One.
According to Kylie, they have already noticed a massive difference in Mia’s well-being following the surgery. “She has picked up on good eating habits and is already way more energetic and bubbly at home,” she said.

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But things weren’t exactly smooth sailing leading up to the operation. A week before, Mia contracted strep throat. “We thought we would have to postpone her surgery, but we knew she needed it, and after being so sick, she lost so much weight, so just for her to be a healthy little girl, it had to be done,” Kylie said.

And so, on June 6, Mia underwent her three-and-a-half hour surgery. According to Kylie, the doctors took a layer of skin from her heart to cover the hole in it. This hole was courtesy of an atrial septal defect in Mia’s heart, which was identified shortly after she was born.

While initially only 7mm in size, the hole eventually grew to 17mm, and this necessitated surgery for young Mia. The decision was made in January this year, and her surgery was scheduled for June, but it would not be a smooth six months leading up to it.

Other than strep throat a week before the surgery, Mia contracted a variety of illnesses in the two months leading up to it, and the family grew worried. But she soldiered on and continued to stay strong, even when she had to remain in the ICU for four days after the operation to stay on the ventilator.

But her mum’s little heart warrior is now back on track. “Doctors say she is 100% now and there’s no need for a second surgery,” Kylie said.

Back at school, Mia will be able to continue to live a normal life.

The operation was made possible for Mia through incredible support from not only the White River community, but the Lowveld community at large. Countless people came together to show their support for Mia, either by donating money or by sponsoring certain costs for the family, such as accommodation.

“Thank you to each and every person for each donation towards Mia’s heart surgery. You have helped save this little girl’s heart and her life,” a very grateful Kylie said.