Mission Possible for Esmé

08/03/2025

Help a Brave Friend Esmé Met on Her Journey

During our time in the hospital, Esmé met many incredible little fighters, each with their own battle to face. One of those brave souls is Louis Fourie, a strong and resilient warrior who still needs our help.

Esmé taught us so much about love, kindness, and the power of supporting one another. Though she is no longer with us, I know she would want us to stand by Louis and his family just as we stood by her.

Please consider donating to his BackaBuddy campaign and sharing his story. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in his fight.

Donate here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/louis-fourie

Let’s continue Esmé’s legacy of love and support by helping a friend in need.

04/12/2024

Even though our little angel is no longer here with us, her presence lingers in our hearts, filling every corner with love and cherished memories. We miss her more than words can ever express—her contagious laughter that lit up the room, her warm hugs that felt like home, and the unique attitude and radiant smiles that made her truly unforgettable.

Every day, we find comfort in listening to her song, as if she’s still here, singing along and reminding us of the joy she brought into our lives. She will forever be a part of us, a light that can never be dimmed, our beloved little angel.

11/11/2024

For everyone who couldn't be with us in person and missed the livestream, we’re sharing this video of Esme’s service as a way for friends and family to join us in remembering her. Esme brought so much light, love, and laughter into our lives, and this service was a beautiful tribute to her spirit.

We hope this video brings comfort and connection to all who loved her, wherever you may be. Thank you for keeping Esme in your hearts and for being part of her legacy.

https://youtu.be/gH3PlI4W3kY

For everyone who couldn't be with us in person, we’re sharing this video of Esme’s service as a way for friends and family to join us in remembering her. Esm...

04/11/2024

It would be a great honor for those who are close, to come and celebrate the life of our little Angel. Please use the following link to let us know if you will be attending in person by Nov 07th:
https://forms.gle/JYPpLezqmNQjbUNR9

30/10/2024

With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we share that our precious daughter Esmé, a beautiful angel borrowed to us, has returned home. Though her time with us was far too short, her spirit and light have left a lasting impact on our hearts and lives.

As we navigate through this difficult time, we find comfort in the promise of protection and peace: "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4). We believe she now rests in that divine shelter, embraced by a love greater than we can fathom.

Esmé will always be remembered not only as our child but as a pure, radiant soul that graced us with her presence. Her memory will forever remind us of the beauty of her spirit and the love she brought into our lives.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and love.🙏

30/10/24

24/10/2024

An update on Esme's condition. Day 127

She’s currently battling three bacterial infections along with fungal infection that was picked up in her blood stream.

She has fluid in her right lung which they might need to drain and the pneumonia persists. They’ve delayed tracheostomy because of the infection in her lungs. This makes it very hard for Esmé on the ventilator or to move forward with the dire needed operation to implant the nerve stimulator that might help with her seizures.

Unfortunately, they're also concerned around moving her for a MRI scan to check on the hydrocephalus, as it will be risky to swap between ventilators due to her condition.

Thanks to everyone for the continued support – it means the world to us.

21/10/2024

Day 123...

Unfortunately, Esmé only briefly opened her eyes last Sunday before slipping back into her coma that afternoon. Since then, her condition has worsened. This past week, she contracted pneumonia, and her lungs and nasal passages have filled with heavy secretions, making her even more vulnerable. The doctors are deeply concerned, as she is very sick.

On top of it all, her seizures have become more frequent and harder to control, presenting another daunting challenge.

In the midst of this, we continue to lean on Jesus, trusting in His strength and healing power. We know that He holds Esmé in His hands, even in the darkest moments, and we pray for her recovery. Please continue to keep her in your prayers, asking for comfort, healing, and strength for her little body. We believe that with Jesus, all things are possible.

13/10/2024

We're over the moon! Esmé has finally opened her eyes after spending about 40 days in a coma. Although she's not fully responsive just yet, we're optimistic that she'll continue to gain strength with each passing day.
A Different Kind Of Perfect • Special Needs Photography
Candice Rodrigues Lifestyle Photography
Thank you, Aunty Candice 📸

12/10/2024

Last week, Esmé was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain, causing significant pressure. Her ventricles have become enlarged, and the pressure on her brain is immense.

To help manage this, doctors first inserted an external ventricular drain (EVD) to relieve some of the fluid build-up and monitor the pressure. This provided temporary relief while the medical team determined the most appropriate long-term solution. After carefully measuring the pressure, they decided on the right shunt to permanently manage the Hydrocephalus.

Esmé underwent the shunt surgery yesterday, and thankfully, the procedure was successful. However, shunts are delicate and prone to blockages, so they need to be replaced regularly – often every two years or sometimes even earlier.

Today marks 115 days since Esmé has been in this condition. She remains in a critical state, still in a non-induced coma and relying on a ventilator. She continues to suffer from daily seizures, making each day a challenge.

We remain hopeful, but this is an incredibly tough journey. Your thoughts, prayers, and support mean the world to us during this time. Thank you for standing with Esmé and our family.

03/10/2024

Goodie bags from two lovely ladies. Luxurious gifts, vouchers, snacks and Coca-Cola!! Keeping us fueled during the day, while holding on to our little girl.
Nadia and Steffi, thank you!

It's day 105 for Esmé in ICU. We don't have news as just yet. We're waiting for solutions to the problems we're facing. Unfortunately the suggestions at this time of the race seem bleak and not set in stone.

The moment we need your support in prayers, messages, etc. If you would like to reach out to us personally, please send a WhatsApp to Jessica 0760253163

19/09/2024

It has now been 92 days since Esmé was admitted to the ICU, and she remains on a ventilator. Unfortunately, our options are very limited at this point, and surgery is not a viable path forward.

Despite these challenges, we continue to hold on to hope, especially with the dedicated team of doctors working tirelessly by her side. They are experimenting with different combinations of medications, trying to find something that will make a difference.

However, Esmé's seizures persist, breaking through all the medical interventions we have attempted so far. These seizures are taking a toll on her, causing fluctuations in both her heart rate and blood pressure, which adds another layer of concern.

While the road ahead remains uncertain, we remain hopeful and trust in the care she is receiving, knowing the doctors are doing everything in their power to help her.