A Diagnosis Before Birth
Leilah Maia van der Westhuizen was born on 24 July 2015 at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town. Her family, from Upington in the Northern Cape, had been preparing for the joy of welcoming their baby girl — but their journey took an unexpected turn long before she arrived.
At the 20-week scan, what should have been a celebration became a moment of fear. Doctors suspected a tumour on Leilah’s right lung. The family was urgently referred to Panorama Hospital in Cape Town, where the diagnosis was confirmed. Alongside the tumour, Leilah was found to have a severe congenital heart defect. Her heart was positioned on the right side of her chest, and the complications were serious.
Throughout the pregnancy, specialists repeatedly advised termination, explaining that she would not survive. Each appointment brought heartbreak and uncertainty. But her parents chose faith over fear. They chose their daughter.
Monthly monitoring followed at Mediclinic Cape Town. The months were long and emotionally exhausting, but Vanessa held onto hope, believing their little princess would fight.
When doctors saw impossibility, her family saw promise — and chose to believe in her heartbeat.
Four Surgeries, One Unbreakable Spirit
On the day Leilah was born, the theatre was filled with specialists waiting anxiously. She was immediately admitted to NICU — but despite everything, she fought. At just 12 days old, on 5 August 2015, she underwent her first surgery. A shunt was inserted to improve blood flow as her oxygen levels were dangerously low.
On 1 September, she was discharged from NICU with strict medical instructions. Taking her home was both joyful and terrifying. For the van der Westhuizens, “home” had temporarily become Cape Town. They often spoke about missing Upington, but their focus remained on Leilah’s survival.
Her journey continued:
- 28 July 2016: Tumour removal from her right lung, just after her first birthday.
- 14 December 2016: Glenn shunt procedure.
- 1 July 2019: Fontan procedure — her final major surgery.
Through every operation, every hospital stay, and every anxious night, Leilah proved stronger than anyone imagined.
Today, at nine years old, Leilah is thriving. She plays netball, dances ballet, and lives with a joy that lights up every room. Her story is one of courage, faith, and extraordinary resilience. Her family remains deeply grateful to their doctors, medical teams, HeartKids SA, friends, and loved ones who stood beside them through it all.
Leilah is more than a diagnosis. She is proof that sometimes the smallest hearts carry the greatest strength.
Vanessa vd Westhuizen
