Juandre Turns Her Heartache into Hope, Sharing Soft Toys with Hospitalised Children
Good Things Guy | 11.02.2026 16:30
Amidst the depths of her own grief, Juandre courageously gathered soft toys to bring comfort and smiles to children facing long hospital stays, honouring the memory of her beloved baby boy.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 February 2026) – Even in the midst of unimaginable heartbreak, Juandre’s love for her son shines through.
Her baby boy’s premature birth and heart defect led them to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, placing them on a trying journey of what felt like endless hospital stays and visits.
“It was very tough,” Juandre says.
“After the heart operation was a success, it was still very tough having to be in the hospital with family and a daughter back at home. She wasn’t able to come to the hospital to visit her brother or to see me.”
Though her boy put up a brave fight, he sadly passed away at just nine months old in the hospital.
As a mother, Juandre fully empathises with the reality of having a child in hospital and, after losing her son, decided to honour his memory by donating soft toys to bring comfort to other children facing tough times at Red Cross.
“My thought was to collect teddy bears to give back to babies so that they can have a comfort toy and give them an inspirational word because I know what it feels like to be in their position. It’s tiring. It’s very sad being in the hospital away from family. It was such a joy seeing the smiles on their faces,” Juandre shared.
The Children’s Hospital Trust at the hospital expressed its gratitude to Juandre, who, though she is going through her own grief, took a moment to consider others walking a journey she knows all too well.
“Her courage reminds us that even in the deepest grief, acts of kindness can light the way for others. Thank you, Juandre, for turning pain into purpose. Your story inspires us all,” the Trust said.
To help continue making a real difference for sick and injured children across the Western Cape and beyond, please visit The Children’s Hospital Trust website and consider leaving a donation.
