Lyme disease now affecting pancreas of 11-year-old
Lyme disease now affecting pancreas of 11-year-old Published on February 1, 2012

Published on February 1, 2012


SUTHERLANDS RIVER – A young county girl who is battling Lyme disease seems to be getting worse, says her mother.

Chelsey Livingstone-Rector, 11, was diagnosed with Lyme disease last spring, but it’s believed she’s had the disease since being bitten by a tick in Ontario when she was just two years old.

Her mother, Angela Rector, says Chelsey has been doing poorly over the past few weeks, and now it seems the disease has spread to her pancreas, causing alarming blood sugar levels.

“She hasn’t been feeling too hot in the last three weeks, she’s missed a lot of school,” Rector said. “The doctors are saying it’s attacking her pancreas now and she’s losing a lot of weight because she’s having a very hard time eating. We’ve had to put her on Ensure drinks because it hurts when she eats.”

In the last week alone, she’s dropped to just 78 pounds.

“It’s a sin, you don’t know what to do for her, and the doctors tell me that all I can do is what I’m doing right now until we get in to see the specialist,” she said.

The community is already starting to come together to support Chelsey and help the family raise funds to travel to the United States to see a pediatric Lyme disease specialist. Although Chelsey has insurance, her mother has learned it will not cover travel costs or any necessary hospitalization there.

The family is hoping to receive word shortly on when she can go to the U.S.

“We’re still waiting on word and we’re hoping we’ll hear within the next week,” Rector said. “The doctor has said he’s going to see Chelsey, he’s going through her charts now so he’ll have a plan in place beforehand so when we go it won’t cost as much when we get down there.”

Elaine Murphy, a friend of the family, is helping to organize two fundraisers to help the Rectors with the costs. She’s hoping the community will come out and show their support.

“This is something for a little girl, it’s a good cause,” Murphy said. “Anyone who wants to donate something or volunteer a little time, it helps a lot to try and get her there for the treatment she needs.”

The first will be a prize bingo held at Ward 1 Rec Centre in New Glasgow on Feb. 18, noon-4 p.m. Prizes are still needed, Murphy said.

The second fundraiser will be held a week later on Feb. 25 at the New Glasgow Legion. During the afternoon, 2-5 p.m., there will be activities for children, like face painting and treats.

“Where Chelsey is only 11, she can’t go to a benefit dance or anything, so this is something she can attend and the kids can come and hang out with her,” added Rector.

Then, in the evening, the legion will be the site of a benefit dance and silent auction, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Volunteers are still needed for the children’s afternoon, said Murphy, and auction items are being accepted as well.

For more information, visit the facebook group – Help Chelsey Livingstone-Rector Get to USA for treatment.

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