“Keep smilin’, keep shinin’ knowing you can always count on me for sure. That’s what friends are for. For good times and bad times I’ll be on your side forever more. That’s what friends are for . . .”
The lyrics of the famous song by Dionne Warwick and Friends made a lasting impression on two friends of Curro Hermanus.
On 23 February during an interschool event in Durbanville, Rebekah Meredith came to Caitlyn Manchester’s rescue when she had an allergic reaction after eating a protein bar. They are both 13 years old and in Grade 8.
“It all started when I had this protein bar that I never had before. I am allergic to nuts and after checking the ingredients, I ate the bar and it was really yummy. After a few minutes my tongue started to swell, and I immediately realised that there was something in the bar that I am allergic to,” Caitlyn explained.
Knowing that there is something wrong she rushed to her friend Rebekah for help. “I immediately went to see Rebekah because she is also allergic to nuts and knows what to do.”
Rebekah explained that she always carries a bag with her with two epipens, “just in case one misfires”.
“I immediately offered one of my epipens to Caitlyn, but she turned it down and we went to the paramedics for Allergex,” Rebekah explained.
After the Allergex didn’t work they went back to the paramedics. “I was getting worse. Two minutes later I was struggling to breathe and I was covered in hives. We rushed back to the paramedics and they gave me water and another Allergex,” Caitlyn said.
It just got worse and worse and eventually she agreed to use one of Rebekah’s epipens. “It got worse before it got better. I was not only struggling to breathe, but I was also vomiting a lot. It was pretty dramatic and hectic.”
According to Rebekah it is protocol that after using the epipen shot you must go straight to the hospital to be monitored for a few hours. “It was not necessary to take me to the hospital because I was getting better and I told Mr Kobus Vermeulen that if I was not feeling well he can take me to the nearest hospital. Luckily it was not the case,” Caitlyn said. She is very grateful for Rebekah’s friendship and according to her Rebekah didn’t think twice before helping her. “The epipens are quite expensive, but Rebekah didn’t hesitate to help me. I am so grateful to her.”
Rebekah said she knows what Caitlyn went through as she has been struggling with allergies since she was two years old. “I found out when I was two years old that I had a nut allergy and I am very aware of what I eat. Whenever I feel a tiny sensation I immediately think ‘action plan’. If you have a hectic nut energy it is most likely that you have a small allergy on the side,” Rebekah said.
Caitlyn can’t thank Rebekah enough for her selfless actions. “I believe that she saved my life and if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be sitting here today,” she said.
The event also made Caitlyn realise that she needs to be more proactive. “I am in the process to get epipens and a bracelet and I am going to be more cautious of what I am going to eat.
According to the head of High School Mariet Lemmer she is very proud of these two friends. “That is what friendship is all about, to help each other and to be there for each other. I am very proud of these girls.” With a smile on their faces Rebekah and Caitlyn agree that this experience showed them the importance of standing together. “You should not only appreciate your friends but also take care of them. You never know when you’re going to need them.”
