Hope dies fighting: Baby loses her spinal defect battle
|Published
‘MIRACLE BABY’: Hope was 16 months old. Picture: Supplied
After a year and four months, brave baby Hope Martin from Mitchells Plain has lost her battle and died peacefully at her home.
Hope was born in July 2020 with Spina Bifida (spinal defect) and had undergone more than 10 surgeries at Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
The little girl spent 20 days in the ICU at Red Cross in May after experiencing breathing problems, and her heart stopped beating twice.
She was discharged in July after a successful Nissan Peg operation, a gastrointestinal procedure to stop acid from spilling back into the oesophagus.
Her parents previously shared their experience of raising a special needs child and appealed for prayers in the Daily Voice.
Grieving mom, Chantel Martin, 39, says she’s only had her “miracle baby” for five months before she succumbed to her illness last Wednesday.
“She had a fever but it was under control.
“I took her to the clinic and she was given medication.
“However, a few days later she passed away in her sleep.
“Her daddy was checking on her at about 5am but God had called her home, peacefully in her sleep.
“It is heartbreaking but her tiny fragile body couldn’t take it anymore and God knew it.
“We miss her smile, the bubbly character and having her around."
Dad Leroy Martin says little Hope brought people together.
“We have received support from people we haven’t met, you’re in our hearts... we appreciate you all,” he says.
“And thank you a lot to Daily Voice for sharing her story.
“Without you we wouldn’t have gotten so much love.
“Keep up the good work.”
A memorial service was held at the family’s Westridge home on Sunday and the funeral will take place at the St John’s Catholic Church on Friday.