Blood tests for Moot toddler now overseas
Although only three-quarters of the funds required were raised, a Moot toddler’s blood could still be sent overseas for analysis after he was recently diagnosed with a rare syndrome.
Although only three-quarters of the funds required were raised, a Moot toddler’s blood could still be sent overseas for analysis after he was recently diagnosed with a rare syndrome.
Barry du Plessis (2), from Rietfontein, is one of a handful of children diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, an extremely rare form of epilepsy.
“We are extremely grateful for the funds we have been able to raise for our little Barry,” said grandmother, Eloma.
“It’s a miracle and a blessing.”
She said Barry was able to get the blood tests for further analysis.
“The tests were sent to Los Angeles where they will be studied by professionals,” she said.
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She said this process will take about four weeks.
“We would have initially sent tests to England, but after research, we found out that the laboratory in Los Angeles is cheaper and also faster,” she said.
“Meanwhile, we are working towards the outstanding amount [of money needed].”
Eloma said, medically speaking, Barry was still the same.
“He still gets his good and bad days, but we take each day as it comes,” she said.
She thanked everyone who contributed to the fundraiser.
“Every rand made a difference,” she says.
“Everything is getting to a point and we are very positive and grateful for the help.”
Eloma said Dravet Syndrome was very rare.
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“The syndrome begins to manifest itself in an otherwise healthy baby by the age of one-and-a-half years,” she explained.
“These multiple epileptic seizures cause behavioural and developmental problems, cognitive problems, movement and mobility problems, speech problems, sleep disorders, chronic respiratory infection, to name but a few.”
She said there were several negative effects if the right treatment was not obtained.
She says the specific cell mutation that causes this condition must be identified so that appropriate treatment can be formulated.
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However, Eloma said there are no facilities in the country for the necessary tests.
“These were why the tests were sent to Los Angeles.”
“We, as a family, are very positive and believe that things will only get better from here,” she said.
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