Durban turns red to raise awareness of congenital heart defects in children

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, families, doctors, and supporters painted the Durban Promenade red for the annual Heart Kids SA Big Walk, raising awareness of congenital heart defects (CHD) in children.

The event, organised by Heart Kids SA and supported by The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa (TCCFA) – an initiative by the Lenmed Group of Hospitals, is a highlight of the medical calendar in support of Congenital Heart Disease Week, observed from 7 to 14 February.

The walk serves as a source of hope and remembrance for children battling CHD and those who have lost their lives to the condition.

“This event is not a race or a competition. It is an awareness walk to honour our children who suffer from congenital heart defects, and for parents like me who have lost their little ones,” said Charlotte Lombard of Heart Kids SA.

“CHD is the number one birth defect in the world, and we need to make our voices heard,” she added.

The walk, held on the first Saturday of February each year, is strategically timed to coincide with Congenital Heart Disease Week, recognising the need to spread awareness across multiple provinces, Lombard and her team organise similar events throughout the month.

The Heart Kids SA Big Walk was open to the public, welcoming parents, family members, and friends affected by CHD. The event received strong support from the medical community, including doctors, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons.

“The support we receive from the doctors in KZN is amazing. The founder of the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa Prof Rob Kinsley, along with his team, has always stood by us.

They help put everything together, and I cannot thank them enough,” Lombard said.

With strong attendance, good weather, and overwhelming community support, the walk was a resounding success.

“People came up to our table, eager to learn about CHD. I was able to hand out brochures and explain what we do. That’s exactly what we want – to educate the public,” Lombard added.

A Personal Mission

For Lombard, the cause is deeply personal. She lost her grandson to CHD at just 27 days old, an experience that changed her life.

“He made me realise how important it is to fight for these children and their families,” she shared.

During the event, Lombard met many families navigating similar journeys.

“The saddest moment for me was meeting a grandmother who had also lost her grandchild. We took a picture together, and in that moment, we were dubbed the ‘grieving grannies.’ It was a heartbreaking but meaningful connection,” she recounted.

That grandmother was Chandra Reddy, whose grandson, Caleb Theodore Govender, was born on January 21, 2024, but passed away just seven months later due to CHD.

“We never knew that a condition like this existed until our baby was born,” Reddy shared.

“That’s why raising awareness is so important. So many people don’t know about CHD, and they should. This walk was very important for me, even though I couldn’t physically take part because of my knees. I still showed up to support,” Reddy said.

Reddy recalled how Caleb’s condition was discovered shortly after birth.

“He had three things wrong with his heart,” she said. “When he was just one month old, they put a shunt in his heart to help him breathe. He had multiple surgeries, and on the day, he turned six months, he was admitted to hospital again. He underwent another operation, but he picked up an infection in hospital. Despite all the doctors' efforts, we lost him.”

Though his time was brief, Caleb brought immense joy to his family.

“If you saw pictures of him, you would never guess that he was sick. He was such a bubbly, beautiful baby,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking to know he endured so much pain, but his strength continues to inspire us,” she added.

Bridging Online and In-Person Support

While much of her advocacy work is done virtually, the walk allows Lombard to meet the families she supports in person.

“Doctors often refer patients to me, and I develop a relationship with them online. But on Saturday, I got to meet some of those families face to face, and that’s a huge reward for me,” Lombard said.

As Heart Kids SA continues pushing for greater awareness and support for CHD patients and their families, Lombard hopes events like the Heart Kids SA Big Walk encourage more people to learn about the condition, offer support, and advocate for those affected.

“We need more people to understand CHD and its impact. If we can educate just one more person, we’ve made a difference,” she said.

A Call to Action

Niresh Bechan, CEO of Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre and The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, said he was deeply moved by the stories of families affected by congenital heart disease.

“The recent Heart Kids SA Big Walk, and the courageous accounts shared by parents and grandparents, highlight the urgent need to raise awareness and improve access to life-saving medical care for children born with CHD.

“Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect worldwide, yet many families remain unaware of its impact until they are personally affected. Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention can make all the difference in a child’s life, as we have seen with young survivors, we have cared for at eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre.

However, far too many children still go undiagnosed or lack access to the specialised care they desperately need.

“At The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, our mission is to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial or geographical barriers. We work tirelessly to provide life-saving surgeries, facilitate early screenings, and support families navigating this challenging journey. But we cannot do this alone.

“Public support is crucial in driving change. By participating in these initiatives, spreading the word, and contributing to organisations like Heart Kids SA and The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, we can give children the best possible chance at a healthy future,” Bechan said.

IOL