Lisa van Dijk

Lisa van Dijk is a mother of three boys living in South Africa. The Little Braveheart book is based on her second son Hunter, who is now five years old.

Hunter, was born with a rare COL4A1 gene mutation resulting in cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He is immobile and non-verbal requiring around-the-clock care with all aspects of life. Hunter has had to endure many surgeries and multiple interventions in his short life. Yet he has outshone all of the doctors’ dire prognoses.

The aim of the Little Braveheart book is to create awareness at a very young and impressionable age and to help able-bodied children to understand, include and accept children with special needs. It also aims to inspire siblings of children with special needs, as well as encourage children with special needs themselves.

Lisa is inspired by her three sons and especially Hunter on a daily basis and is thankful for what he has taught her about life. She considers herself blessed beyond measure and lives life to the fullest.