According to a story from biotechprism.com, ten-year-old boy Jed Kagan of South Africa was crippled by debilitating pain when he first appeared at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Capetown. Once he was there, the staff were able to relieve the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome that he was experiencing. A year later, Jed and his mother Shana are spearheading a new fundraising project for the hospital by selling unique toys called Jedi Tedis.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a highly unusual disorder in which a certain area of the body (often a limb) is affected by a variety of unpleasant, painful symptoms. These include swelling, pain, limited range of motion, and skin and bone problems. In some patients, the symptoms begin in one area and then spread throughout the body. The pain can vary in its sensation and severity, but often just touching the affected area can be intolerable. The area often turns red and is highly sensitive. The skin may also feel hot to the touch. The cause of complex regional pain syndrome is unknown. The condition often appears in an area that has already sustained a minor injury. Treatment may involve a combination of infusions, therapies, and medications. Generally treatment outcomes are good in children, if it is treated in a timely manner.
Shana started Jedi Tedi specifically to raise money for the hospital by selling the stuffed animal toys. Aside from just fundraising, Shana also hopes that the organization will help spread awareness about rare diseases, which affect children in disproportionate numbers.
Jed was only the 10th child in the African continent to get treated for CRPS at Red Cross Children’s Memorial Hospital. The hospital was able to provide Jed with excellent care, and he was discharged four days after arriving; while he was still walking on crutches, this was a significant step from the debilitated state in which he first arrived.
