Brian Diamond was just three years old when a gang bullet ripped through his head and left him brain dead.
But last week, against all odds, the living miracle celebrated his 17th birthday.
It has been a difficult journey for Brian’s family who still lives in the same house where the incident took place in Heinz Park 14 years ago.
On 4 June, Brian celebrated his birthday on the single bed he has been lying in for years, after he outgrew his specialised wheelchair.
Brian Diamond celebrated his 17th birthday last week. Video: Genevieve Serra
The family has made various appeals for a new chair but has all but given up hope.
They are also battling to make ends meet, and have been forced to feed Brian cows milk when his specialised Ensure milk ran out at the local clinic.
But despite these challenges, they remain positive, praising God for their 14-year miracle.
In July 2006, Brian played in front of his home when rival gangs opened fire on one another.
He was struck in the head and was left brain dead.
Doctors at Red Cross Children’s Hospital gave the little boy three days to live.
They were about to pull the plug on his life support and were left shocked and baffled when Brian began moving his eyes, arms and legs.
Today Brian smiles and makes muffled sounds when spoken to.
He is also able to move his arms and legs slightly.
His mom Ronell, 37, was shot in the stomach in the same incident and battles with mobility due to her injury.
TOUGH: Ronell Diamond, 37
Ouma Mary Waterloo says Brian is still a fighter.
“It has not been easy for us,” the granny says.
“There always has to be someone with Brian because he gets the fits, and he cannot help himself.
“For his mother, she could not witness her child going out into the world, being in school or finishing matric.
“The time he was at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, lying there, we were just given three days for him to survive.
THANKFUL: Brian’s ouma Mary Waterloo
“In those three days after he was shot, God performed a miracle on Brian. We give God all the glory because it is only He who has carried him through all of this.
“Over the 14 years, Brain has just been twice to a hospital, he does not really get sick.
“Brian is not a child that cries, he battles for himself during hard times and understands when there is no kimbie or milk for him. It is a joy to look after Brian.”
The family says they are now sukkeling to get Brian’s milk and a specialised wheelchair.
“I have asked twice at the hospital for a new wheelchair after he outgrew his old one,” says Mary.
“None of us are working and it is tough. Due to the Coronavirus there is a shortage of his milk, Ensure, at the clinic. We get 24 tins a month and this month we just got 10.
“Now we need to buy three litres of milk a day for him but that is not enough, it is not food that can sustain him.”
Brian outgrew his specialised wheelchair. Video: Genevieve Serra
Ronell says the gunmen were never caught: “The people who did this have never been caught, they are just gone and the case was never solved.”
To help the family, contact Mary or Ronell on 068 165 8815
or deposit money directly into Brian Diamond’s banking account: Capitec, account number 1143650083, branch code 470010.
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za