THE Highway community is invited to lend a helping hand to the Metzler family, whose daughter, Sian-Tae (18), is suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
GBS is a debilitating auto-immune disease that basically has the body attacking its own nervous system, causing paralysing effects and weakening the organs.
It was only on the night after giving birth to Eli on Tuesday, 3 February when the news was broken to Sian-Tae after a full evaluation that she had GBS.
Her grandmother, Petro Metzler, said the last week of Sian-Tae’s pregnancy had been hard, and the numb hands and feet and pain had all been put down to ‘end of pregnancy’.
“She had great difficulty breathing and was unable to move her arms and legs. Sian-Tae did not get to love, hold and feel her baby for the first four weeks of his life, as she had so looked forward to doing.
“She had a perfectly healthy pregnancy, so this was obviously not how she had expected the first month of his life to be.
“Eli was not allowed into ICU for the four weeks she was there, and she only saw him from a distance through the window. She fought a strong, brave fight and it was sad and hard, especially not being able to be a mommy, but having to cope with the rotten hand she was dealt.
The syndrome is often fatal and reactions vary from patient to patient, but one thing is certain, every patient goes through four weeks of hell while the body is attacked and annihilated.
Eli is not allowed to stay in the hospital, so for now Sian-Tae is only able to see him during afternoon visiting hours or on weekends, when his grandmother is able to get him there.
The prognosis is about six months to a year for recovery.
“We are hoping and praying for a full recovery. However, nothing with this disease is guaranteed. All funds raised will be used for medical expenses that are not covered by medical insurance, nursing facilities, therapy during and after rehab, and for the care of baby Eli.
May is GBS Awareness Month, and on Saturday, 9 May, the Highway community is invited to Sian-Tae’s fundraiser that will be held at Augusta Country Estate, Ashley Drive, Gillitts. It will cost R480 per person (includes two double page kits, prizes, tea and lunch). The kits only will cost R380. Registration will start at 7.30am.
To be part of this day, visit www.creativescrapbookingandcrafting.co.za and download the booking form, or contact Karen on 082 773 6386. The closing date is Friday afternoon, book early for catering purposes.
