Across South Africa, old race medals are finding new meaning in the hands of brave young patients.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – It’s not every day that a hospital visit ends with a medal… but sometimes, courage deserves to be recognised!
At Netcare Olivedale Hospital, that idea is being brought to life, turning moments of fear into memories of strength for young patients who face more than most of us can imagine.
Twelve-year-old Ehben Muller recently became the latest recipient of one of the hospital’s special bravery medals after showing incredible composure while being treated for a painful knee dislocation. What started as a frightening early morning quickly became a story about courage, care, and a team that understands just how important it is to recognise both.
“Ehben woke us at around 5 am in severe pain and very anxious because his knee had dislocated while he was sleeping,” his mom, Adri Muller, shared. “It was traumatic for him, especially because it happened while sleeping.”
Paramedics were called to assess him at home, and with concerns about causing further damage, they made the decision to transport him to hospital for specialised care. At the emergency department, doctors confirmed a dislocation of his left patella and prepared to stabilise it under conscious sedation, ensuring the procedure could be done safely and as comfortably as possible. It’s an experience that would shake even the bravest adult but Ehben approached it with a calmness that stood out to everyone in the room. Despite the pain and the anxiety, he remained cooperative throughout, following instructions carefully and even helping to position himself for the procedure. It was a level of maturity that left a lasting impression on the medical team caring for him.
In recognition of that courage, they awarded him one of their bravery medals, part of a special tradition in the emergency department where young patients are celebrated for the strength they show during treatment. These medals, donated by members of the community, carry far more meaning than their size suggests. They transform what could be a traumatic memory into something empowering… a reminder that even in difficult moments, there is something to be proud of.
“Visits to the emergency department can be frightening for children,” says Eugene Ferreira, General Manager of Netcare Olivedale Hospital. “Recognising their courage helps make the experience less intimidating and celebrates the remarkable resilience young patients often show. Ehben’s bravery was truly inspiring to witness.”
For Ehben, this wasn’t his first experience with a knee dislocation, which makes his response all the more remarkable. He already knew what to expect, yet he still chose to face it head-on. Now focused on recovery, he is attending physiotherapy, working with a biokineticist, and even going to gym to strengthen the muscles around his knees. He has a condition known as patella alta, where the kneecaps sit higher than usual, increasing the likelihood of dislocations, and while surgery isn’t an option just yet, his commitment to rehabilitation is clear.
“He is very dedicated to his recovery,” his mom explains. “He attends physiotherapy, works with a biokineticist, and even goes to the gym to strengthen the muscles around his knees. Keeping him fit, active, and healthy is our priority. He never complains, even when the exercises are challenging or painful. As parents, we should never take it for granted when our children are healthy and able to participate in sports without limitations.”
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Beyond the hospital, Ehben is a curious and determined young boy who attends Laerskool Unika, where he explores his love for computers and technology through robotics. He also plays hockey and is determined to keep going, even with the fear of future dislocations lingering in the background. Last year, he represented his school at the 2025 World Robotics Olympiad, and he has his sights set on doing it again.
After his treatment, Ehben was discharged later that same day with a knee brace and crutches, but not before taking the time to thank every member of the medical team who helped him. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.
And while this story belongs to one young boy, it also reflects something much bigger happening across South Africa. From hospital initiatives like this one to national drives like the HAHA Bling for Bravery campaign, where thousands of donated race medals are given to children facing medical challenges, there’s a growing movement focused on recognising courage in the moments where it matters most.
More than 22,000 medals were collected earlier this year alone, each one destined to become a symbol of strength for a child who needs it. It is a beautiful act of kindness to gift a moment of completing a challenge, to honour a stranger’s bravery. It’s South African. And we are here for it.
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