Baby Paige needs your help
“Our medical aid was depleted months ago. We won’t give up and will do whatever we can to keep our little angel with us.”
GLENVISTA – Paige Madison Bedworth was born on February 5 this year at the Clinton Hospital, Alberton and until her birth her parents, Candice and Jonathan Bedworth, thought she would be born healthy, although she was premature at 34 weeks.
“During my pregnancy there were a few complications but nothing which caused us great concern. Paige came into this world early but she looked perfect and beautiful. It was only a short while after her birth we were told she was born with Oesphageal Atresia (her oesophagus ended in a blind pouch, not connected to her stomach),”said Candice.
Paige underwent an emergency operation to try and repair the complication and remained in neo-natal ICU for three months. When she reached 3kg’s she underwent another operation on April 22 to repair the defect but Candice, Jonathan and the family were told she wouldn’t make it and were called into the hospital to say their goodbyes. “It was a terrible day but miraculously she pulled through, although she suffered a lack of oxygen. One of the nurses said she must be being looked after by angels.”
She eventually went home in the middle of May. “It was short lived and she was re-admitted the next day. Thankfully she was home again a few days later,” added Candice.
Paige is allergic to many baby formulae and is fed bottles of soya milk. “Feeding her is a nightmare. As soon as she sees a bottle she begins to sob because she knows it will hurt her to drink because of a severe reflux condition,” Candice added.
On October 2, Paige had another operation to try and help with the reflux. Because of the lack of oxygen she suffered previously, her limbs are stiff. She can’t yet sit, roll over or grab toys and she has to undergo regular physiotherapy.
“She needs to have an MRI to determine if her brain has been affected but we can’t afford it yet. The medical bills are absolutely frightening and we owe so much money already. Follow-up treatment will be ongoing and we don’t know how we’ll make it,” said Jonathan and Candice.
A golf day has been arranged as a fundraiser for Paige, which will take place at Glenvista Country Club on Friday December 4. The field is full but hole sponsorships and prizes are still needed to make this golf day a success. For sponsorships and or prizes, please email: darren8@hotmail.co.za
If you would like to help Paige, please assist by giving any donation. Bank account details: Paige Bedworth – Absa – 9312177451, Branch Code – 632005.
