Belhar teenager Cole Macleod and his family are looking forward to a brighter festive season after Cole underwent a successful double lung transplant earlier this year. Cole, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three months old, had faced numerous medical challenges and spent extended periods in hospital. However, since his bilateral lung transplant on August 5 at Groote Schuur Hospital, his breathing has improved significantly.
Last Christmas was a difficult time for Cole and his family, as he was seriously ill. His condition worsened in January, prompting doctors to speed up the transplant process. After being transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital, Cole had to undergo a program to reach the required weight for the waiting list. His family faced additional challenges due to load shedding and Cole’s reliance on a portable oxygen machine. However, their struggles came to an end when a donor was found, and Cole received the double transplant.
Five months after the surgery, Cole’s mother, Joleen Macleod, expressed her joy at seeing him participate in activities with his siblings, including running, playing cricket, and swimming underwater, without the assistance of a machine. Cole himself expressed his happiness at being able to breathe normally and expressed gratitude to his doctors and the donor’s family for the “special gift” they gave him.
