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More on KentOnline
A mother who has lost the use of her legs due to a rare neurological condition is due to start treatment.
Summa Barker, of Swale Avenue, Rushenden, will be able to start IVIG medication through a drip for Susac’s Syndrome.
The condition means the 23-year-old - who has relatives in Sittingbourne - does not have a strong immune system and is vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
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The treatment has been made possible through a fundraising campaign started by family in January to raise £32,500, after the NHS said it would not pay due to the price.
It took just 17 days to meet the goal and the amount has now grown to about £65,000.
Delays with the NHS have meant the family have decided to go private.
The cash will mean the mum-of-one to daughter Jasmine can be treated at a private clinic at London Bridge Hospital.
She hopes her first five-day session can start on Monday.
It has been recommended she undergoes at least five courses, costing about £12,000 each.
Summa’s cousin, 31-year-old Natalie Jacobs said: “The money is going to be enough for five treatments which is the minimum they said she needs.
“This treatment will hopefully stop her getting bad colds and infections which really set her back because she has not got a good immune system.
“The biggest thing is Summa has suffered for so long and enough is enough.
"It is time Summa had something to help her.
“This has been our way of doing our bit for a family member.
“When Summa found out she was going to be able to get the treatment she kept on thanking us and smiling.
"It is going to be a long process, we cannot say if she is going to walk again for certain but we are all going to be pushing her.”
Listen to Summa's brother Joshua speaking in January
The medication will also help to treat some of the lesions on her brain, as a result of the condition.
There is more information on Facebook - search Support Summa’s Fight for Life Against Susac’s or click here.
