SHE was only five weeks old when she stopped breathing due to reflux and at the tender age of four months, she had her first surgery.
Diagnosed with severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and Sandifer syndrome, 19-year-old Lynn Swann, affectionately known as Lynni by her family, never gave up, despite all of her health challenges.
Although the surgery she underwent at four months was to address the reflux issue, unfortunately for Lynni, this reflux has returned, making life just a little harder for her.
Lynni’s mother, Tracy Swann, said that since the surgery as a baby, her daughter has had a few more surgeries, including a hysterectomy in June this year and having her tonsils removed in 2015.
“Lynni is on a special formula for reflux, requires medication for epilepsy and only has bowel movements once the medication has been given. She still has to eat soft food, such as Purity and mashed-up foods and wears adult nappies up to 33kg,” Swann explained.
She added that Lynni attends Aurora Stimulation Centre, which is vital for her condition. “When she is not at the centre, I take care of her full-time. Most people don’t understand disability in kids and their special needs when it comes to food, for example, and the fact that they need a lot of stimulation too.”
She added that Lynni’s health challenges have affected them all financially and it is very stressful but that she wouldn’t change her for anything. “I love her to bits just as she is.”
Since Lynni was diagnosed with so many different conditions, this has taken a financial toll on the family, and they have had to rely heavily on family, friends, and fund-raisers for financial assistance.
The family has embarked on numerous fund-raising activities, including a trivia night in March and more recently, a raffle to help pay for the hysterectomy that she had two months ago.
Lynni also spends a lot of time in hospital for the epilepsy and reflux, as well as constipation and other stomach problems.
She also spent time in the paediatric ICU of St George’s Hospital when the hysterectomy was performed.
“Hormonal imbalances made the epilepsy worse and with all her conditions, her menstrual cycle and all the pain just made everything worse, which is why a hysterectomy was needed. With most disabled kids they do it for safety reasons too,” Swann explained.
She added that she has a great support system, not only her family, but also strangers who help financially with the fund-raising and prayers. They will hold another fund-raiser this weekend, Saturday, September 3, at the Full Gospel Church in Kabega Park.
“The fund-raising market will assist in raising funds for a hospital bed and her tons of monthly medication, formula, special food and adult nappies,” Swann said.
Saturday’s event will include performances by various musicians, arts and crafts, food trucks, a clown and puppet show and many more. The entry fee is R20 and there will be donation boxes available. The fund-raiser will start at 09:30.
- For more information, Swann can be contacted on 073 585 8429.
