Local stalwart, Tillie Kirkland calls on the community to help save little Lia

For many Newcastillians, the name Tillie Kirkland holds deep meaning and evokes many memories and cherished friendships.

Tillie and her late husband, Allan, were known for giving the town its own ‘Christmas House’; every December they would create a magical display representing Christmas wonderland. The Kirklands always went out of their way to help those in need whenever and wherever they could.

Now, Tillie is turning to her hometown for help as her seven-year-old granddaughter, Lia Brits, lies in a hospital ICU ward in Panama City, fighting for her life.

Lia’s story:

Lia was diagnosed with a severe case of cystic fibrosis in 2020.

“Lia was a normal, happy, and healthy child, but she would get sick, and doctors believed it was the common flu and later started treating her for asthma. In 2020, she got severely ill and was taken to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where she was then diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF),” Tillie told the Advertiser.

Although she received the best care possible and monthly treatments at Steve Biko, so severe was her diagnosis that doctors believed Lia wouldn’t make it another three years.

However, her mother, Lisa, would not accept that fate, and after extensive research found that Panama City offers some of the best medical care and treatment there is for patients living with CF.

They also learned of the ‘miracle drug’ Trixacar used in the treatment of CF and was available in that city.

“My son, Rudi, and my daughter-in-law, Lisa, then decided to sell all their possessions as well as their business and immigrate to Panama City to get their daughter the treatment and medication she so desperately needed.”

However, once they were there, Rudi and Lisa were met with even harsher times after being defrauded by two separate lawyers whom they hired to obtain their permanent residency and social security numbers to allow Lia to start receiving health benefits and free medical care.

“If you’re not a permanent resident, you do not qualify for free medical care. This means that every single doctor visit, medicine purchase, and treatment is paid for out of their pockets, and it has become very expensive to keep up with,” explained Tillie.

Things take a turn for the worse:

In November 2023, Little Lia’s health took a turn for the worse, and she was admitted to the hospital after her oxygen levels dropped to under 70%.

She remained there for 24 days, where she received the best treatment possible, before being released. However, three weeks later, she was readmitted to the hospital.

After 24 hours, she was transferred to the ICU ward, where she was put on a ventilator and had stopped breathing on her for three days.

During her stay in the hospital, doctors realised that aside from the CF, she had also picked up a severe blood infection that was compromising her lungs, airways, and oxygen in her blood cells, as well as Pseudomonas bacteria that attacked her lungs.

An infection specialist was flown in especially to oversee Lia’s case and help treat her.

“The doctors are currently struggling to get the infections under control. She is on the strongest antibiotics possible, but she now needs to fight these infections herself, as the doctors said there isn’t much more that they can do from their side now.”

Furthermore, a local pastor in Panama City arranged for the Trixacar drug to be flown in from Argentina.

“Unfortunately, the doctors cannot begin with the Trixacar until they have the other infections under control and know that the medications will not do more damage to her lungs. It is in God’s hands now,” said a very emotional Tillie.

The Back-a-Buddy account:

“After being defrauded out of our money, we have been put under even more severe financial pressure, but thankfully there is an amazing church and community support system that has gone out of their way to assist as much as possible, and for that, we are all forever grateful.

“We have been invited to numerous churches that have conducted special services just for Lia. We have different religious groups from all across the world sending us prayers and messages of support. It has been amazing to witness just how many people have stood together and helped support us on all levels possible, and we cannot thank them enough. We have also had various South African artists sending us messages and videos of encouragement for Lia; it has been beautiful to witness this,” she said.

However, medical bills have piled up tremendously and are currently sitting at over R900 000, which needs to be paid out of their own pockets.

Tillie and her family decided to create a Back-a-Buddy account, which will be used to raise funds to help cover the growing medical costs.

Should you wish to assist them, you can visit the back-a-buddy page at Little Lia Fighting Cystic Fibrosis

Remaining positive:

Despite all the obstacles little Lia faces currently, Tillie believes that she will make a full recovery through the grace of God.

“We are remaining positive and full of faith through our faith in God. We believe He is going to save our little Lia and she will pull through this and go on to help others battling the same disease. She will be the one to testify just how great God is and just how he saved her and gave her a second chance at life.”

Tillie and her family wished to thank every person that has been there for them and helped them in any way possible be it financially, spiritually and emotionally.

“Thank you for every single contribution you have made – God is great and we truly thank and appreciate you all,” she concluded.

Special church service held for little Lia Brits:

What are Cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas bacteria?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.

A Pseudomonas infection is an illness that you get from strains or types of Pseudomonas bacteria.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common type that causes infections in people.

It most commonly exists in the environment, like in water, plants, and soil. But it also appears in moist or wet areas, like bathtubs or sinks.

You may also have it on your skin, but it may not cause an infection. Healthcare experts sometimes call this bacterial colonisation.

A Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection can be challenging to get rid of. The bacteria have evolved (changed in response to treatments), so certain antibiotics that would typically treat the condition no longer work (antibiotic resistance).

Keeping up to date with Lia’s journey:
Furthermore, those interested in Little Lia’s journey and road to recovery can follow her Facebook page at Prayers for Little Lia Brits with Cystic fibrosis

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).