Kris Dando
LYME SUFFERER: Ruby Penney, flanked by parents Darron and Rachel, is battling Lyme disease, a condition that appears to be a nasty virus but, misdiagnosed, can lead to serious health issues
Kapi-Mana News
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Ruby Penney's life changed the day she cuddled a kangaroo.
The bubbly 7-year-old from Pukerua Bay was on a family holiday to the Gold Coast in 2010 when, at a theme park, she left her parents' side and went up to one of the animals. Afterward, her mum Rachel picked a tick off her.
What followed in the next seven months was the stuff of nightmares. Ruby went from an active and happy Kiwi kid to being unable to count to 10 or remember the alphabet.
She suffered fevers, hallucinations, abdominal pain and up to 70 seizures a month with ambulance rides and hospital visits part of life.
Today, Ruby is on eight- hourly antibiotics and other medication to counter what has been diagnosed as Lyme disease.
"It was very scary, we thought we were going to lose her so many times," Rachel said.
After specialist care in Australia and blood tests sent to the United States, a treatment of drugs - costing $600 a month - have improved Ruby's symptoms.
She is back at St Theresa's School fulltime but continues to endure seizures and other effects of the disease.
Every day is an "unforgiving and constant struggle", Rachel said with a huge personal and financial cost to her family.
The Ruby Red Trust has been established, to raise awareness of Lyme disease and help children like Ruby.
As part of a case study under way it is hoped Ruby will see a specialist doctor in the United States.
"Lyme disease mimics other diseases and is incredibly hard to test for. We want doctors in New Zealand to be more vigilant in looking at the travel history of patients, because detected early, it can be beaten," Rachel said.
Go to rubyredtrust.org.nz to watch Ruby's video, more information on Lyme disease and how to donate.
RUBY RED TRUST JAZZ CONCERT
Jazz keyboardist Michal Martynuik will perform with international recording artist Geoff Culverwell and six-piece session band VSOP on April 7, to raise money for the Ruby Red Trust. The concert is at The Tree House, 9 Harper Rd, Otaki, from 5pm.
Dress theme is black and white and tickets cost $45, which includes a glass of wine and nibbles. Tickets can be bought from The Red House Cafe, Otaki Farmlands, Equine & Farm Veterinary Services, Sandbar Pub and the Big Salami in Plimmerton.
R&B and jazz singer Roni Moe will also feature, and guests on the night include Rodger Fox and Erna.
- Kapi-Mana News
