Eden struggles with epilepsy and is often misunderstood, which makes life even more difficult. To help clear her mind and make life a little easier, Satan’s Little Helper sent her a care package.
Life with epilepsy and a form of ADHD isn’t easy for six-year-old Eden.
“She was diagnosed when she was four and, since then, she’s been on twice-daily medication,” explains her mum, Kristy. “She’s also developed facial tics, which can be difficult for her because she makes expressions she has no control over. She’s been told off for making faces, which is really sad!”
Eden’s seizures are largely managed thanks to her medication but that can present its own problems.
“If she has a breakthrough seizure [one that occurs after a person has controlled their condition with medication], they can last weeks.
“Unfortunately, only people close to her may know this and she can appear disrespectful or ‘naughty’ to some, as she spaces out and exhibits some unusual behaviour.”
Difficult environment
School presents its own challenges and, due to her type of ADHD, Eden struggles to maintain focus while working and has found it difficult to fit in.
“Some kids find it hard to connect with her and she has suffered with a lot of bullying. Girls can be cruel to each other at this age,” says Kristy.
Eden has also developed a picking habit, which can leave the skin around her fingers raw, bleeding and sore.
“She doesn’t even realise she’s doing it,” explains Kristy. “She’s given herself a staph infection a few times, so it’s a serious problem.”
Finding her place
Despite her challenges, her school have been brilliant and Eden is on her way to finding her place among fellow students.
“One thing is that helped her connect with other kids was via the Colouring In Club at lunch. She loves it and she’s made a few friends along the way.
“The best thing is, she wouldn’t have connected with them without it, as they’re a little older, but they share similar struggles at school.”
While the club is a great start, Satan’s Little Helper thought we could provide a few extra items to make Eden’s days (and nights) a bit easier.
Valuable tools
So, we sent her a new nail polish kit, some fidget toys, a weighted plushie and some extra art items for her to use when she’s colouring in.
“The weighted plushie has been a favourite; she takes it everywhere! It has been a good distraction in the car and she’s not picking at her fingers as much because she plays with fur on the plushie and the weight calms her.
“At night, it’s awesome. Her picking can amp up when she’s unsupervised but, having her plushie in bed helps. It also means we can avoid putting her on medication to help her relax at night, so it’s a brilliant outcome for us.”
Kristy says Eden’s fidget toys have been a priceless addition in the classroom because they help keep her focused. Eden also used her pizza voucher to have a fun family outing and make some cool memories.
“We drove to Invercargill and Eden and her sister picked out their pizza. We went to the park with the dog and ate it there. Eden loved the whole day out!
“She is truly grateful for everything Satan’s Little Helper did for us, and so am I. It might seem like a small thing to give but they’re luxury items for us, as we’re on a strict, single-income budget. I can’t work because I need to be available 24/7 in case she has a seizure.”
Kristy says since she received her package from Satan’s Little Helper, things have been a lot more relaxed in the home. Long may it continue!
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