Phalo Gayiya from De Doorns, a much-loved teenager in the Langeberg region who at age seven had stolen the hearts of the public when undergoing a heart transplant, has died from medical complications.
Reported by Standard last year, the Winelands Primary School learner was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes heart muscles within ventricles to dilate, stretch and become thinner. As a result, the heart struggles to pump blood to the rest of the body putting a person at risk of heart failure.
Phalo received his new heart at Christian Barnard Hospital in Cape Town, marking a new lease on life, where he could be a little more active, a bit more playful and enjoy a less strict diet.
He would have started high school this coming week.
Phalo’s mother, Nombulelo Gayiya, explained to Standard inJuly: “He could not play contact sport and pick up heavy items, unlike other children his age. He also had to stick to a healthy diet while exercising lightly.”
“Phalo loved watching soccer, dancing and playing Xbox. He also played hockey.”
