Hot Cares helps miracle baby Zach take his next steps

At just a year old, Zach has already endured more than most do in a lifetime. In July 2024, his tiny body was placed on ECMO—a life-support machine—after a collapsed lung and severe complications left him with “catastrophic” brain damage. He spent his first birthday in an induced coma, breathing through a tracheostomy and receiving nourishment via a feeding tube.

Against all odds, Zach survived.

Now, less than a year later, he’s walking and starting to babble—showing the world just how strong and determined he is. But his journey of healing is far from over.

Zach needs a corrective brace to support his legs as he learns to walk, a device that costs R19,000 and must be worn for up to three years. He also needs to see a paediatric neurologist—an appointment Kelly, his mother, simply can’t afford following the death of her husband in January and the many unpaid medical bills that remain.

Hot Cares knew we had to help.

Thanks to our generous listeners, we’re covering the full cost of Zach’s corrective brace and the neurologist consultation. But we’re not stopping there. To support his therapy at home, we’re also donating a set of physical therapy tools—including physio balls, push toys, and foam climbing blocks—to help strengthen his muscles and coordination.

This R30,000 contribution is about more than medical bills. It’s about giving Zach the chance to keep defying the odds—and giving Kelly the support she so desperately deserves.

Together, we’re helping this miracle boy walk confidently into his future.