Young mom grateful for the support
"Going home to be with my baby - that is what has kept me going."
THE community came together to support a full-day scrapbooking fundraiser for ailing mom, Sian-Tae Metzler (18), who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) just after she gave birth to her son, Eli, in February.
GBS is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs.
On Wednesday, 13 May, Sian-Tae returned to her family after three months in hospital and rehab.
Sian-Tae is a strong young woman and she is on the road to recovery; she has regained some feeling and movement. “I have been very lucky, I really thought I was going to die. The past few weeks have been horrible and scary.”
Sian-Tae has been through a lot, as she has spent four weeks in ICU. She was paralysed and had to eat through a feeding tube. She said it really crushed her to not be able to hold her baby for the first four weeks of his life.
“Going home to be with my baby – that is what has kept me going. The first time I held him I was very emotional, as it was only after weeks that I could hold him in my arms.
“I am so grateful to my family, I really don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for their constant support. I can never thank them enough,” said Sian-Tae.
She also thanked the staff at Entabeni Hospital. “The hospital staff is amazingly exceptional, they treated us so well.”
Sian-Tae’s mum, Sherrie Metzler, said 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 and upkeep of baby Eli.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their support, prayers, friendship and positive energy,” she said.
On the fundraising day, R6 400 was raised for the Tae and Eli fund. Donations are still welcome. Nappies, baby products, toiletries and grocery store vouchers, would be greatly appreciated.
The next Scrapbooking Fundraiser Day for Sian-Tae and Eli will be on Saturday, 29 August.
Visit www.creativescrapbookingandcrafting.co.za or contact Karen on 082 773 6386.
