Help fund Gemma’s medical expenses
Westville resident, Gemma Meeding has a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and needs help get to a doctor in Spain after exhausting her local options.
TWO Durban girls have formed an unbreakable bond after their paths crossed on social media.
Gemma Meeding and Tanya Tschirpig, who both have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), have spent countless hours brainstorming, venting and engaging in discussions about doctors’ appointments as they navigate through life together.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a disease that weakens the connective tissues of your body. These include tendons and ligaments that hold parts of your body together.
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EDS can make your joints loose and your skin thin and easily bruised. It also can weaken blood vessels and organs.
EDS varies in the ways it affects the body, but it can cause a great deal of havoc in those born with it. For Gemma, a Westville resident, the disease has caused a host of secondary conditions.
“The list is just overwhelming and she has instability in most of the joints in her body that result in recurrent dislocations and a great deal of pain for her. Due to the ligament laxity that causes instability in her joints, Gemma has instability in her neck as well,” said her friend, Tanya.
The 23-year-old said she had to do home schooling as attending a mainstream school proved to be difficult each day.
“It took a while to know exactly what was making me sick, I was only diagnosed last year,” said Gemma.
For years, Gemma said she has been in lot of pain, “I had difficult concentrating, neck issues and fatigue.”
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The marketing student said since then her condition has deteriorated.
Like many teenagers in high school, Gemma was involved in curricular activities and participated in a variety of sports.
According to Gemma, EDS is a rare illness and most often hard to diagnose.
Sharing a special bond
Her friend Tanya said she was introduced to Gemma in the midst of her own personal health journey.
“I reached out for support on a Facebook support group. The universe in turn blessed me with a friend that who understand what I was going through in a way that no other I knew could. Gem has been the biggest blessing in my life since the day she entered; a safe space, my haven, a hug in human form,” she said.
Due to the complexity of Gemma’s case, the supportive friend has opened a backabuddy page to help her get to a doctor in Spain after exhausting her local options.
“Dr Gilete specialises in neck instability in those with connective tissue disorders. Due to the complexity of the issues at hand, specialists in the field are her best chance of receiving help.
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Tanya said since she has known Gemma, she has been doing her very best to participate in ‘the hustle’ in order to support herself.
But due to the effects of lockdown and the acceleration of her health problems, she had to close the doors of her business.
In an attempt to raise funds, Gemma started ‘Bakes for Poppy’.
Poppy is what her mother calls her, and inspired the name to her gourmet cupcake business, and now this campaign.
“I have witnessed my friend participate in battle after battle with her health while trying desperately to find a way to get the help that she needs. After all the love she has poured into my life, I just want to help her get what she deserves. She deserves to be cared for,” said a caring Tanya.
To assist Gemma get to the specialist in Spain, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/gemma-meeding.Westville resident, Gemma Meeding has a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and needs help get to a doctor in Spain after exhausting her local options.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
