Little Zaya Swart
When little Zaya Swart laughs, the room changes. But behind the cheeky smile and playful energy is a little girl fighting battles most adults would struggle to survive.
Her parents, Morné Swart and Tiani Swart, described her as a tiny firecracker with bright red hair, a huge personality and a dramatic streak that somehow keeps everyone smiling, even on the hardest days. She dances, plays, chats endlessly when she feels strong enough, and somehow still manages to light up hospital rooms that have become far too familiar for a child her age.
Zaya’s journey started long before doctors confirmed she had a rare disease.
Morné remembers her birth as one of the most emotional nights of his life. Tiani developed pre-eclampsia towards the end of her pregnancy and doctors decided to induce labour early.
