KIMBERLEY – For the parents of the three-year-old Jude Hope Mouton from Kimberley, their greatest hope is simple: that one day Jude will breathe without a tracheostomy, speak with her own voice, and begin school with the same opportunities as every other child.

Jude, who was born with a heart disease, was also later diagnosed with severe airway scarring and stenosis (abnormal narrowing) of the airway.

This resulted in her needing a tracheostomy to breathe – and she cannot speak, as air is unable to pass her vocal cords.

Together with her parents, Vaughan and Fahzlin Mouton, she travelled to Cape Town during the first week of September where Jude underwent bronchoscopies and swabs as part of life-changing medical procedures to help her get her voice back and breathe on her own. This will be followed by a planned airway reconstruction surgery during the first week of October, resulting in an expected hospital stay of two to three weeks.

Jude was born on 2 March 2023. During a 4D scan before her birth, doctors noticed swelling on the right side of her heart, after which she was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD). It was likely that the hole would close on its own over time.

In her first year it was discovered that she also had a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and that neither hole was closing naturally. During an angiogram it was discovered that Jude’s airway was much smaller than expected, making intubation extremely difficult.

Her heart surgery was finally scheduled for October 2024, but doctors struggled to intubate her. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist was called in to assist. After several setbacks, the heart surgery was completed successfully, and her ASD and VSD were repaired.

Long road to recovery

After more than two weeks of recovery in the paediatric ward, Jude developed severe breathing difficulties and was rushed back to theatre, where severe airway scarring and stenosis were found. She underwent a tracheoscopy, and it became clear that her airway would require ongoing treatment.

After almost two months in hospital, Jude was discharged with a tracheostomy.

“Despite everything she has endured, she is a happy, active and healthy three-year-old who loves to play, laugh and explore the world around her,” her parents say.

The ENT specialist has referred her to a specialist in Cape Town who performs complex airway reconstruction. The goal is to repair Jude’s airway, remove her tracheostomy and give her the opportunity to breathe normally and find her voice before she starts school.

Community support needed

“We are incredibly grateful to have medical aid that covers almost all of Jude’s medical expenses. However, the costs of travelling from home to Cape Town, accommodation during her treatment, transport and daily living expenses are beyond what we can comfortably manage,” the Moutons say.

Whilst Vaughan has become a stay-at-home father to care for her daily medical needs, including managing her tracheostomy and attending specialist appointments, Fahzlin has continued working so that Jude can remain on her medical aid, making her treatment possible.

With the assistance of the Help Jude Hope Fundraising team, several projects are hosted to raise funds. On 12 September, a Spring Mini Bazaar was held at Royldene Park.

• On 11 October, the team will be hosting A Spring Ladies Tea at 15:00 in the William and Gwen Rhoda School Hall at the William Pescod High School in Church Road. Tickets cost R50 per person. Dial 064 698 9181 for more information.

Also, visit Help Jude Hope on Facebook, or BackaBuddy.