ECMO survivors South Africa

ECMO survivors South Africa Let's help build a community for ECMO survivors & their families

5 Years Post ECMO – My Ecmoversary Five years ago, my life hung in the balance.I lay in an ICU bed connected to an ECMO ...
05/07/2026

5 Years Post ECMO – My Ecmoversary

Five years ago, my life hung in the balance.

I lay in an ICU bed connected to an ECMO machine, surrounded by doctors, nurses, monitors, tubes, and prayers. There were moments when the future was uncertain, moments my loved ones feared they might have to say goodbye.

Today, five years later, I celebrate something I will never take for granted: LIFE.

I celebrate every sunrise I have seen, every birthday, every laugh, every hug, every memory made, and every ordinary day that has become extraordinary simply because I am here to experience it.

My journey has taught me that life is fragile, precious, and never guaranteed. It has taught me gratitude in its purest form. Gratitude for the medical teams who fought for me, for my family and friends who prayed for me, and for God’s grace that carried me through the darkest days.

Being an ECMO survivor is more than a title, it is a reminder of a miracle I live every single day.

Today I don’t celebrate surviving; I celebrate living.

Thank you to everyone who walked this journey with me. Your love, prayers, and support helped carry me through.

Five years later, my heart is full, my gratitude runs deep, and my faith remains strong.

Here’s to life, to hope, to second chances, and to every day that follows.

💙 Happy 5-Year Ecmoversary to me. Forever grateful. Forever blessed 🙏

Blessed MiracleJourney

05/07/2026

Did you know many people have asked me why sheep are often associated with ECMO survivors.

The answer is both fascinating and deeply humbling.

Before ECMO became the life-saving treatment it is today, researchers needed a way to safely develop and improve this incredible technology. Sheep played a vital role in that journey because their heart and lung function closely resembles that of humans. Through years of research, doctors and scientists were able to test, refine, and improve ECMO machines and treatment protocols before they could safely be used to save human lives.

Because of that research, countless people across the world, including me have been given a second chance at life.

When you see an ECMO survivor with a sheep, a sheep pin, or a sheep symbol, it’s not because of farming or a random mascot. It’s a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. Gratitude for the researchers who never gave up, the healthcare teams who continue to perform miracles every day, and the animals whose contribution helped make ECMO the remarkable treatment it is today.

As someone who is celebrating life after ECMO, I carry this symbol with deep respect. It reminds me that my survival wasn’t just the result of one moment it was made possible by decades of research, innovation, compassion, and sacrifice.

Every breath I take is a gift.

To everyone who played a part in making ECMO possible, from scientists and medical teams to the animals that contributed to this life-saving research; thank you. Your legacy lives on in every ECMO survivor who gets to go home, hug their family, and continue living the life they were given a second chance to live.

💙 Forever grateful.

27/01/2026

Every ARDS and ECMO survivor carries a powerful story of resilience and hope. These stories are filled with fear, strength, and the unwavering will to recover. By sharing these stories, we build a community that supports and uplifts each other through every step of recovery.

Join us and stand with survivors. Share your story!

ECMO is more than a machine—it's a lifeline for those facing severe lung and heart challenges like ARDS.When lungs and h...
10/12/2025

ECMO is more than a machine—it's a lifeline for those facing severe lung and heart challenges like ARDS.

When lungs and heart struggle, ECMO steps in to support these essential organs, giving the body time to heal. But for patients and families, the technical details can feel overwhelming.

At ARDS Alliance, we believe knowledge is power. Our mission is to break down the complexity, offering clear, compassionate education and a supportive community.

Each week, we connect patients, families, and healthcare professionals through support groups and educational webinars. Together, we share stories, science, and hope.

Understanding ECMO means more than medical facts—it means empowerment for patients and caregivers to navigate this path with confidence.

If you or someone you love is affected by ARDS or ECMO, know you are not alone. Join our community and let us stand beside you every step of the way.

Address

Pretoria

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ECMO survivors South Africa posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share