It appeared to be a regular day for Charmaine Keevy when she walked her dog Georgie on April 3.
The 63-year-old and her Dachshund usually took different paths while walking in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. On this specific day, their stroll passed by a storm drain.
Shortly after passing the drain, Georgie started barking frantically. Upon closer inspection, Charmaine was astonished by what she saw…
According to Charmaine, Georgie was afraid of cats, so when she heard cries emanating from the drain, she initially thought a cat might be trapped inside.
Charmaine shared: “I first thought it was a cat because he was scared of cats, but when I heard the screams again, I realized it was a baby.”
Yes, indeed, a baby. She flagged down a passing car owned by Cornie Viljoen, who used a steel rod to lift the concrete lining of the drain, exposing a startling truth.
A newborn baby was found lying naked with the umbilical cord still attached at the base of the drain.
Viljoen descended into the 6-meter deep hole and reached the baby. Along the way, he encountered red ants that began biting his legs – fortunately, they had not reached the baby yet.
Viljoen recounted to the Daily Mail: “I didn’t know if the baby was injured, so I tried to pick her up very gently and very slowly, and she was so small. I just wanted to hold her for a while, but I knew she needed urgent medical help.”
Viljoen handed the baby to Keevy, who wrapped the infant in her sweater and comforted her while awaiting emergency services. Upon their arrival, the baby was promptly taken to the hospital due to breathing difficulties.
“I firmly believe that I was destined to find that baby, particularly since I typically take a different path during our walks. I can’t shake the feeling that there is some kind of plan and purpose for this little girl’s life – it is undoubtedly a miracle,” expressed Keevy.
Currently, the hospital is working to locate the baby’s mother, who has been named Grace April.
Charmaine updated on Facebook confirming that Grace April is safe and thriving in an incubator, dispelling false claims circulating on social media.
SHE IS ALIVE!!!!! If you are reading this, please share on your timeline. I have been so saddened by the negative talk…
Posted by Charmaine Elizabeth Keevy on Thursday, April 5, 2018
How fortunate that Georgie heard the baby’s cries, and how lucky that Charmaine chose to investigate the situation. While we may not know how Grace April ended up in the storm drain, she undeniably represents a true miracle!
Share this story to honor the heroic individuals involved in the rescue mission.
