23/08/2026
Until we meet again….
In Memory of Daniël le Roux
01 February 2010 – 23 August 2013
It was an ordinary day, one of those days when life moved in familiar rhythms. During a visit to Prof Fourie’s rooms, Marielé sat quietly in her wheelchair, bravely battling a urinary tract infection. The day seemed no different from any other, until a small, dark-haired boy began making his way across the room.
With determination far greater than his tiny frame, his eyes fixed on Marielé’s wheelchair, nothing could stop him from reaching his destination. There was something remarkable about his spirit, something beautiful in his persistence.
The little boy had a tracheostomy, and his small buggy, a specialised wheelchair, stood nearby. His mother, Lianie, watched him with unmistakable pride shining in her eyes. It was the kind of pride only a mother who has witnessed her child overcome countless challenges could possess. Even without knowing their story, it was clear that this little boy, Daniël le Roux, was extraordinary.
Life carried on, as it always does, with the relentless pace so familiar to parents of children with special needs—days filled with therapies, care routines, hospital visits, and the continual search for moments of joy amid life’s challenges.
Six days after Marielé’s passing, a chance encounter brought our paths together again. I, Kate, met Lianie and Daniël at the hospital. The room was filled with warmth as Lianie spoke with the wisdom, strength and love that can only come from a deep bond between a mother and her child.
Daniël, with his soft brown hair framing his face, seemed content and happy. His eyes were fixed on his favourite programme, Lollos, and in that moment he appeared completely at peace, surrounded by the simple things he loved most.
The next morning, devastating news reached us: Daniël had passed away.
His battle with Leigh Syndrome, a relentless and incurable condition, had come to an end. Yet every day of his short life had been an act of courage. Daniël defied expectations, living with a spirit that touched all who knew him.
Lianie later reflected on her son’s life, saying:
“Everybody prays for a miracle, but not everyone is lucky enough to experience one. Daniël fought against all the odds. He taught us that life is too short, and that we should make the most of every day. We went out as often as we could. We played and messed around. We wanted to live our lives to the fullest.”
Daniël loved life deeply. His favourites—Stapsoldaatjie, Lollos, lollipops, painting, and playing with cars—were simple joys that filled his days with happiness.
Yet his legacy extends far beyond these cherished moments. In his memory, the Daniel and Friends Fund was established—an organisation dedicated to building a stronger, more connected special needs community.
Reflecting on this journey, Lianie said:
“Life doesn’t always work out as one has planned, but through the inspiration of our children’s lives, it could be even better than we ever imagined or dreamed.”
Although Daniël’s time on earth was brief, his impact was profound. He left behind more than memories; he left a legacy of love, courage, resilience and hope.
And every time Lianie speaks of her son, that same pride still shines through—a mother’s endless love for her little boy, who lived with a fighting spirit that will never be forgotten.
Lianie, we love and admire you. Today, and always, you remain in our hearts.
