It was a normal day at Quade’s school in Walvis Bay. The midday sunbathed the playground in warmth, while the cool breeze rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean added a hint of freshness. Eleven-year-old Quade, a lively boy with boundless energy, had joined his friends for a game of tag during break time at Laerskool Walvisbaai. He loves the outdoors, and he darted across the field with a wide grin, his heart racing with excitement.

But in a moment that no one saw coming, Quade’s world—and the world of everyone around him—shifted. Without warning, little Quade collapsed. At first, his friends thought it was part of the game, but as he lay still, confusion gave way to panic. Teachers rushed to Quade’s side. The gravity of the situation was immediately clear—Quade’s heart had stopped. He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

In the critical minutes that followed, one of the teachers began performing CPR. The clock seemed to slow down as chest compressions continued for what felt like an eternity. Every breath, every compression was a battle against time. For 20 long minutes, CPR was performed, the hope of saving Quade clinging to each second that passed. He was rushed to Welwitchia Hospital in Walvis Bay, where the expert medical team fought to stabilize him. Every second mattered, and the doctors and nurses worked tirelessly, doing everything they could to give Quade a fighting chance. The young boy, who had been playing “touch” just an hour ago, was now in the fight of his life.

However, it soon became clear that little Quade needed more specialized care. His condition was critical, and his brain had been deprived of oxygen during the long minutes of cardiac arrest. He was transferred to Windhoek Central Hospital, where his parents followed in silent fear.

At Windhoek Central, Dr Fenny Shidhika (renowned Paediatric and Congenital Cardiologist) and her team managed to stabilize Quade’s heart, but the bigger challenge was just beginning. His brain had suffered a hypoxic injury—a lack of oxygen that could lead to devastating consequences. For his family, the nightmare seemed endless. They whispered prayers, clinging to the hope that their boy would wake up, and if he did, that he would be the boy they knew and loved.

That’s when Dr. Mike Alison, a distinguished cardiologist, entered the story. Known for his expertise and compassion, Dr. Alison had seen cases like Quade’s before, but each one was different.

Quade was transferred once again, this time to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, where Dr. Alison and his team assessed the damage. The boy’s heart had suffered, but his spirit remained strong. His heart had been compromised, and to prevent future episodes, Dr. Alison made the critical decision to implant an internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD). This small device would monitor Quade’s heart rhythms and, if necessary, deliver a life-saving shock to prevent another cardiac arrest.

The surgery was a success, but Quade’s battle was far from over. He had survived the cardiac arrest, but now he had to recover from the damage to his brain. The hypoxic brain injury had left him in a vulnerable state, and the road ahead was uncertain.

Quade’s remarkable story of survival didn’t begin on that school ground. In fact, his family had already faced a similar battle just a few years before. In 2019, Quade’s mother had experienced her own sudden cardiac arrest while at the gym. Her heart had stopped without warning, just like Quade’s, and she had narrowly survived thanks to the quick actions of bystanders and medical professionals. After thorough medical evaluations, she too was fitted with an internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) to prevent future episodes. Despite normal results on her cardiac MRI, angiogram, and infiltrative workup, no clear cause for her cardiac arrest had been found. Importantly, she showed no signs of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a condition that can cause sudden cardiac death.

As Quade lay in the hospital, the similarity of their stories weighed heavily on the family. They couldn’t help but wonder if a deeper, hidden condition ran in their blood, silently threatening the lives of those they loved. But for now, Quade’s battle was the focus, and just like his mother before him, he would overcome.

Little Quade had something working in his favour—his incredible spirit, and the dedicated multidisciplinary rehabilitation team at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital. For weeks, Quade’s body and mind were carefully nurtured by a team of doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dedicated nurses. Every day was a step forward, no matter how small. The medical professionals were amazed at Quade’s determination. Slowly, his eyes opened. He began to move.

Day by day, week by week, Quade’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. His speech began to return, his memory slowly revived, and eventually, Quade’s body caught up to his will to live. Three weeks passed, and Quade, who had been at the brink of death, was now talking, laughing, and walking. The boy who had been lost in unconsciousness was coming back to life before their eyes.

Quade’s parents watched in awe as their son, who had come so close to death, came back to life with a strength they had never imagined. The term “sudden cardiac death survivor” carried a heavy weight, but Quade bore it with a light heart, grateful for this second chance at life.

Quade’s story became a beacon of hope in his community. He wasn’t just a survivor—he was a symbol of courage, resilience, and the extraordinary power of modern medicine. The teachers from Laerskool Walvis Bay, the medical teams at Welwitchia Hospital and Windhoek Central Hospitals, Dr Fenny Shidhika, Dr. Mike Alison, and the dedicated rehabilitation unit at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital—they were all part of the miracle that saved Quade.

Throughout Quade’s incredible journey, his parents found themselves surrounded by an outpouring of love and support. In the darkest moments, when fear gripped their hearts and uncertainty clouded their days, it was their family and friends who carried them. With unwavering support, they helped lift the weight that had seemed too heavy to bear, offering comfort and strength when it was most needed.

Quade’s parents would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who stood by them. From their loved ones who offered a shoulder to cry on, to friends who ensured they never walked alone, they felt held up by the kindness and love of their community. Most of all, they thank God for His endless mercy, His strength that sustained them through every trial, and His guiding hand that helped them face each new challenge. It was through faith and the grace of God that they found the courage to keep going, trusting in His plan and giving thanks for every miracle along the way.

Quade’s story is one of survival—a story of a young boy who, with the help of many caring hands, defied the odds and lived to tell the tale.