Golf day fundraiser aims to change Paige’s life

At 10 years old, Paige Bedworth has faced more medical challenges than most people endure in a lifetime.

Despite the odds and with the support of her family and friends, Paige has shown remarkable strength and determination.

Her family is once again rallying the community through a fundraising golf day, and this time to help Paige gain greater independence and improve her quality of life.

A challenging start and life-saving surgeries

Born on February 15, 2015, via emergency C-section and weighing 1.6kg, Paige entered the world already facing enormous challenges. From the beginning, life was not easy for Paige or her family.

Her mother, Candice, experienced complications during the pregnancy and after birth. Doctors diagnosed Paige with a rare condition known as oesophageal atresia, a congenital defect where the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, does not form properly.

Instead of a continuous passage, the oesophagus develops in two unconnected parts, making it impossible for food to travel from the mouth to the stomach.

At one day old, tiny Paige underwent her first operation to repair this serious condition.

Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. The gap between the two ends of her oesophagus was too wide to bridge at her young age. She was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they fed her through a tube to ensure she received the nutrients she needed to grow.

After three months in the hospital, Paige had a second surgery, which was successful. However, complications followed when she developed sepsis in her brain, which led to brain damage in the form of cerebral palsy. At the time, doctors were unaware that a lack of oxygen to her brain had occurred, which resulted in the sepsis and long-term damage.

Despite all of this, Paige kept fighting. She soon underwent another operation to treat severe reflux, another challenge brought on by her earlier surgeries. In March 2016, when she was just over a year old, Paige underwent a major stomach operation to address further complications.

Growth through school and support

Today, Paige attends Optim-Ed Learning Centre in Brackendowns.

She cannot walk or talk, but she is a bright and determined young girl who continues to inspire everyone around her.

Her father, Jonathan Bedworth, shared how proud he is of Paige and how far she has come.

“The last fundraiser golf day we held helped raise money for a wheelchair and eye gaze technology,” he said.

“The technology uses special cameras that track eye movements, allowing Paige to use a computer to answer questions and communicate at school. It’s amazing to see her interact in her own way.”

Although Paige cannot speak, she has learnt to communicate by nodding her head slightly for yes and shaking it for no. She has also become more confident and outgoing since starting school.

“Before she began attending school, Paige was quiet and introverted,” said Jonathan. “Now, she is much more social. School has truly helped her grow.”

Paige used to attend LUCCA Support and Care Centre in the north, which Jonathan credits for playing a major role in her development.

“They were so supportive and we are very grateful for everything they did,” he added.

Jonathan said, “She is excellent at maths.”

“Every time we get her school reports, we celebrate. It’s the little things that make us proud of her.”

Paige still sees a medical specialist every year. She was recently hospitalised again for surgery, where doctors attempted to insert a new feeding tube similar to the one she had at birth. Unfortunately, because extensive scar tissue from previous operations, they could not do so at this time. However, they may attempt it again in the future.

Raising funds for a better quality of life

Because of her condition, Paige needs round-the-clock care. Her family is working hard to give her the best quality of life possible, and they have organised a fundraiser golf day to help raise the funds.

This year’s goal is to raise money for a new wheelchair as Paige has outgrown her current one. In addition, the family hopes to raise enough to purchase a walker and specialised bathing equipment.

“These items would make Paige’s life easier and give her a bit more independence,” explained Jonathan. “It’s heartbreaking to go to children’s parties or family functions and see all the other children running around or bouncing on a jumping castle, while Paige sits on our laps watching. I can see in her eyes that she wants to join them.”

With the right equipment, Paige may not run or jump like other children, but she could participate in activities in her own way.

Paige finds great joy in being around her friends and family.

“She loves going to school and gets sad during holidays,” Jonathan said.
“She’s very sociable and enjoys swimming and eating cake.”

Her stepmother, Lee, shared is not only important for raising funds, but also for raising awareness about cerebral palsy and the daily realities of children with disabilities.

“There are not many activities designed for children like Paige,” she said.

“We want to raise awareness, support Paige’s parents, and give her a bit more freedom.”

Lee remembers a time when she could go on rides with Paige on her lap.

“Now that she’s grown, we can’t do that anymore, but she loved using a walker at her previous school, LUCCA. If we can get her one, it would bring back that sense of independence for her.”

Paige’s fundraiser golf day

Despite the many difficulties she has faced, Paige remains a brave, bright, and beautiful girl with a big heart and an even bigger smile.

To help make life easier for Paige and her caregivers, her family is calling on the community and local businesses to get involved.

Support can come in many forms, from sponsoring a hole at the golf day, donating prizes for the raffle or auction, or making a monetary donation to support Paige’s medical needs.

“The support we receive helps us reach our fundraising goals, but more importantly, it changes Paige’s life,” said Jonathan and Lee.

“She has already overcome so much, and with your help, she can continue to grow and thrive.”

Paige’s Golf Day Fundraiser will take place on October 9 at Reading Golf Club, with registration starting at 09:00 and a shotgun start at 10:00.

The cost is R4 000 per four-ball, R3 500 to sponsor a hole, or R4 500 to sponsor both a four-ball and a hole.

For more information or to get involved, contact 072 908 2767 or 071 627 1983.