BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—The community is coming together to plan a benefit ride on May 30th to help two teen girls battling some major health issues.
Sixteen-year-old Kayla Elizabeth Harris is currently is a fight for her life. She is battling leukemia.
“She is loving, caring, smart, enthusiastic, always smiling, tries to find the good in everyone and everything even leukemia,†stated Wanda Harris, Kayla’s mother. “Most importantly she is a child of God and believes he is much bigger than this cancer.â€
Kayla’s friend is also battling her on health problems.
On May 11, 2012 Katie Brown, 18, woke up with a massive headache. After six consecutive days with no relief in sight, she was rushed MUSC. Three years later, she remains a patient at the hospital’s Pediatric Neurology Clinic.
Since that time, her migraines have become so extreme that Katie has been hospitalized six times and rushed to the emergency room 25 times. In over the last 36 months, Katie has had fewer than 20 nonconsecutive days pain-free.
“She has tried and failed every usual therapy including 22 different medications, Botox injections, and nerve blocks,” her family stated.
As of January 2013, Katie’s medical bills have totaled upwards of $136,000. Since December 2012, her prescriptions have cost her family approximately $5,300.
Fortunately, there may still be hope. She has been accepted at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation (Pain Management Program).
However, this program is far from cheap. It costs a total of $46,597 for three weeks of care which includes:
- Inpatient (2 weeks): $26,109
- Physician: $13,998
- Day Hospital: $6,490
In addition to the cost of the program, Katie’s family will also be financially responsible for lodging, food, etc.
In addition to the migraines, Katie also had a congenital defect of her legs. Femoral anteversion was the diagnosis.
She had her first surgery in June 2011 to correct her left lower and upper leg. That surgery was 8 hours long. The orthopedic team used internal fixation (plate and six pins) for her hip and external fixator for the lower leg. She had the external fixator for 16 weeks.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The benefit ride for these two girls will take place on May 30th at 2953 Harristown Road in St. Stephen. The event is hosted by Christian Bike Riders.
Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kickstands go up at 11 a.m.
Rides are $20 for single riders and $5 for passengers. Meals are included.
Chicken bog dinners will also be sold for $5.
For more details, contact John “Wideload†Foisey at (803) 565-3748 or at [email protected]
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