As Women’s Month draws to a close, we honour all women. Women are on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, as health workers, caregivers, community organisers and some of the most effective national leaders combating the pandemic. This pandemic has shown the disproportionate burdens that women carry, as well as the amazing contributions women make.
There is power in persistence. When it is driven by a mother’s love and nurturing instinct, doctors pay attention.
Daisy Myburgh knew something was very wrong when, while vacationing abroad, her son’s upset tummy developed into other worrying symptoms with no sight of improvement.
Despite multiple visits to different hospitals, Daisy’s 2-year-old son, Nicky, was becoming weaker as his condition deteriorated. He needed help and his mother would not stop till he got it. Her relentless quest for her son’s healing led them to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH). By this time Nicky, was slowly losing his ability to breathe. Nicky needed to be intubated and not a moment was wasted. He was transferred to Red Cross without delay. There, they were met with support and a clear diagnosis of Miller Fisher Syndrome – a variant of Guillaine Barre Syndrome, after thorough screening and testing.
Nicky spent the next 11 days in ICU, with Daisy by his side. Comforted by total strangers Daisy was able to process the unfolding nightmare of what her son’s future might hold. The doctors and nurses, and another hospital mom – whose son was also in ICU – became her support network as they held space for Daisy to be strong for Nicky.
It has been two years since Nicky’s ordeal. Upon his discharge, Nicky had to learn how to sit, crawl and walk again. Recovery can take years, but Nicky surprised everyone when his recovery took only six months.
“The thing about kids is that they will physio themselves too – like if they want to get somewhere or get to a toy that they want, they make a plan to do it!” says Daisy.
Imprinted with the trauma, Daisy is never far from panic. “The other day he said his legs were sore; I was ready to bundle him into the car and drive straight to the emergency room. It turned out to be a bout of pins and needles from kneeling too long.”
Today, Nicky is back to his super active self: always swimming, jumping on the trampoline, riding his bike, and playing with his brother.
A healthy childhood is every little one’s right. Persistent parents fight for this daily. And medical professionals at RCWMCH are at the frontier of this battle. As a donor you make it possible. Help the Children’s Hospital Trust raise funds to equip the Emergency Centre with state-of-the-art medical equipment needed in life-saving medical emergencies. Some of the equipment needed include, transport monitors, oxygen blenders, infusion pumps and trolley beds for the Resuscitation Room. We are R3 million away from our goal.
Help us get there, because Every Little One Counts.
South Africa is emerging from an unprecedented winter where the COVID-19 pandemic has kept children away from most of their usual activities.
Now that spring is here with blossoms, green grass and pollen, children may experience a spike in sneezes, itchy eyes and coughs. This is most likely due to allergy. Many children experience an increase in these symptoms during spring. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the medical term for this kind of allergic reaction, commonly known as hay fever.
How to help a child with spring allergies
- Keep your child indoors on days that are both dry and windy.
- Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high (check your local weather report).
- Combat dust mites by vacuuming your home often.
- Keep all children with known allergies away from cigarette smoke, as this can worsen the child’s allergy symptoms.
- Have your child drink plenty of water. Drinking enough each day is important because blowing and sneezing can dry your kid out.
Visit www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za/donate because Every Little One Counts!
