A fighting spirit

Thabazimbi – In our midst, we have a real little fighter, Maya Broekhuizen (11), who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome in October 2017.

A shocking diagnosis for her mother, Mathilda Broekhuizen, who watched the disease ravage her young daughter very quickly. Maya was admitted to hospital. Within a matter of hours she was having difficulty in breathing, and her upper nerve pathways were affected. 

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs.

Maya was rushed to Netcare Unitas hospital by ambulance where she spent 32 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Maya is slowly recuperating, struggling to smile and to close her eyelids completely, yet, progress is steady. 

Maya is homeschooled and was extremely active with outdoor activities such as archery, gymnastics and swimming. 

 “We are pleased with Maya’s progress. I believe it is all the work of God; He kept His hand over my child and protected her from the worst symptoms of the disease. She is recuperating and will soon be well again. All glory to God,” says Mathilda Broekhuizen. 

Follow Maya’s progress on Facebook: Maya GBS Wonder Woman.