Page 31 - Waterfall City Issue 4 April 2025

This life-changing procedure has given
her a brighter future, and we are deeply
appreciative of the hard work, dedication,
and kindness shown by everyone during
her stay,” Mr Twala says.

The family extended a special thank
you to Dr Lebea for her compassionate
guidance throughout the entire
process and heartfelt appreciation to
the skilled cardiothoracic surgeons,
whose meticulous approach ensured
that Oaheng was in good hands. “We
would also like to express our gratitude
to Dr Klebe for your gentle and tender
approach.”

Little Oaheng has since become more
talkative and developed a healthy
appetite for her favourite foods, mash
and lasagne, and a particular passion
for trying on her mother’s shoes and
handbags, as well as playing outdoors.
resolved to find a way to help her as soon Dr Lebea says receiving the operation
as possible,” Toubkin says. before Oaheng’s condition progressed “Oaheng’s name means ‘To Build’, and
has made a life-saving difference to now we can really see her interests and
Dr Mamaila Lebea, a paediatric the little girl. “With the support of the curiosity coming through more strongly.
cardiologist who practises at Netcare doctors and the Netcare Foundation, she We are so grateful our daughter now has
Sunninghill Hospital, applied to the has a chance at a healthier future. This the chance to build her life thanks to this
Netcare Foundation and Maboneng operation has transformed the course procedure,” Mrs Twala says.
Heart and Lung Institute based at the of Oaheng’s life and offered her the
hospital to request urgent assistance in opportunity to thrive,” she says.
making it possible for Oaheng to have
the operation. “She has healed so quickly and been
so active since the operation. Oaheng
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Erich knows what she wants, and now she is
Schürmann, who leads the Maboneng unstoppable! She is fascinated by the
Foundation and Dr Martin Myburgh world around her, and she plays with
of the Maboneng Heart and Lung everything – except her toys,” Mrs Twala
Institute, paediatric cardiologist says.
Dr Janine Meares, as well as
anaesthetist Dr Edith Klebe and Oaheng’s father, Mr Kamohelo Twala
cardiac perfusionist Mr Thulas Dladla expressed the family’s relief and thanks
all committed their time and expertise for their support over this challenging
pro bono to help the little girl and her time.
family in their hour of need.
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for
“If untreated, a hole in the septum the the incredible support and care that
size Oaheng was suffering from, can be the Netcare Foundation, Maboneng
debilitating and life-threatening. As the Heart and Lung Institute and Netcare
child grows, the heart defect ultimately Sunninghill Hospital team have provided
damages the arteries of the lungs. our daughter, Oaheng.
Fortunately, we were able to close the
hole in her heart successfully, and her “In this journey we have cried many tears
prognosis is bright,” Schürmann says. of happiness and a little nervousness.

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