Baby Aylah Botha: A miracle baby born with two holes in her heart

In April 2024, baby Aylah was just three months old, weighing a little over 3 kg. 

She was born with two holes in her heart, and her heart was enlarged. 

Her parents, JJ and Jua-Rike, had been trying to conceive for three years and were overjoyed when she was finally born. But shortly after her birth, they realised something was terribly wrong.

READ: Smile Foundation: Restoring the smiles of children with facial abnormalities

It became a race against time, not only to help her gain enough weight to reach 4 kg for corrective surgery, but also to raise the R400,000 needed to cover the cost.

In this episode of Good Morning Angels: The Legacy, JJ and Jua-Rike recall the darkest days of their lives, but also the hope, love, and support of many "angels" who helped their little miracle, Aylah, back to health.

Good Morning Angels: The Legacy

Good Morning Angels: The Legacy will revisit some of the people who have benefited from the kindness of strangers since 2005. 

They will share, in their own voices, how that moment of light impacted their lives in the most beautiful, sometimes unexpected, and inspiring ways.

READ: Violet Mbongwe: Becoming a nurse to help others after tragedy struck her family

Tune in every Monday morning at 08:10 on Breakfast with Martin Bester to hear the Good Morning Angels story—a celebration of 20 years of changed lives, in the voices of those who are living it.

And tune in every Wednesday morning, as we continue to change lives for good.

Listen to the full Good Morning Angels – The Legacy Podcast below: