Siyabonga’s story appeared in newsletter no. 35 (2016). His name is a pseudonym. The young boy arrived at Blessed Gérard’s Hospice seriously ill. At first, it was uncertain whether he would recover. The care team looked after him and gave him time to regain his strength.
With treatment, Siyabonga improved. He began to stand and his laughter could be heard in the corridors. Staff and others at the hospice delighted in his progress. The newsletter reported at the time that he was expected to return home soon. We have no verified information about what happened later.
His story is a reminder of the importance of dependable nursing, medical help and kindness for children who are ill. Family and medical details from the old newsletter are not repeated here to protect his privacy.
Source: Newsletter no. 35, page 8. The date above refers to the newsletter issue, not the exact day he was admitted.