Give Megan a second chance
There is nothing more painful in the world for a mother than to see her own child suffer severely.
“I fear for my daughter,” said Karen Bekker as her eyes filled with tears.
Karen’s 10-year-old daughter, Megan, was first diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) at the age of four.
The sJIA is an auto inflammatory disease that causes swelling in the joints; it affects about 10 per cent of children with arthritis.
March 2 was a sad day for the Bekker family, when Megan suffered a severe relapse.
“It’s heartbreaking for my daughter to go through this again,” said Karen.
The family is currently in dire straits and they need you to help them raise funds for Megan’s monthly blood tests, specialist visits and medication, which costs about R10 000 a month.
The Rynfield Primary School pupil resides with her mother and brother, Dylan Bekker.
Megan’s mother can’t afford these expenses as she needs to stay at home and look after Megan.
“I would like people to help me, so I can be better again,” said Megan.
Children who have sJIA may experience prolonged, repeating fevers, which usually occur once or twice per day.
When a fever is at its worst, a child may have a pink-coloured skin rash and may feel tired and achy, or have widespread aches and pains.
The disease can cause inflammation of the lining of the lungs and heart, as well as swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver.
Megan was treated by a paediatric rheumatologist until she finally went into remission in 2013.
“When Megan relapsed, her blood counts were very severe, but the most concern for the paediatric rheumatologist is that her platelet count was extremely low, while in sJIA it is normally high,” said Karen.
“There is a concern that there may be an additional problem with platelets, which indicates bone marrow function is not adequate.
”Her levels dropped to 64, while the normal count should be between 178 and 400.
“A few days before Megan relapsed, she wasn’t feeling well, but she insisted on participating in the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) Ekurhuleni riding competition, on February 27 and 28.
She represented her school in three disciplines and she finished first in the competition.
Megan is a competitive horse rider and she has a pony, Magic Mushroom.
Her mother said Magic Mushroom has played a vital role in Megan’s recovery, as they share the most incredible bond.
Since her relapse, Megan is walking with crutches, as she experiences a lot of pain in her joints and she is always extremely tired.
The Benoni Small Farms resident said she misses riding on her pony, because riding makes her feel very happy.
“I also miss school and being with my friends,” said Megan.
Megan also enjoys dancing, reading, colouring and spending time with her brother.
Karen recalled how Megan started walking at nine months; she said her character has always brought them joy.
“She is always willing to help other people, even when she was admitted in hospital, she was more worried about the other children in her ward,” said Karen.
Megan is currently receiving corticosteroids for a month before doctors can do other blood tests to check where her levels are, before it can be determined what treatment is best for her.
“The most difficult thing for Megan to cope with now is that she knows what lies ahead for her.
“Megan now remembers the monthly blood tests, the x-rays, the bone marrow testing and side effects of the drugs.
“She is afraid and sad that she has to go through this terrible situation again, ” she said.
Megan wants to be a veterinary surgeon when she finishes school.
“I love animals, but I’m afraid of snakes,” she said, as she laughed.
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