Magpies help raise rheumatic fever awareness

HEART TO HEART: Magpies players had an important message for their young fans at McLean Park in Napier. At back are Adrian Barone, Gabriel Tuhi, 17, Brendon Edmonds, Maraea Hillman-Cunningham, 7, Ryan Tongia, Finn Grant, 10, and in front with Robbie Fruean, are Kiana the dog, Jai West, 11, Tobias Murfitt, 10. PHOTO/ GLENN TAYLOR

Hawke's Bay children diagnosed with rheumatic fever yesterday met their rugby idols at an afternoon tea designed to raise awareness about the disease.

More than 100 children with the disease and their families attended a meet-and-greet organised by Hawke's Bay District Health Board (DHB) with Magpies players Robbie Fruean, Ryan Tongia, Brendon Edmonds and Adrian Barone at Napier's McLean Park.

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory and potentially life-threatening disease which may develop after a streptococcal infection, such as a sore throat.

Julia Haydon-Carr, project manager of the DHB's rheumatic fever programme, said about 65 patients were registered with the DHB with the disease.

Yesterday's event was about hammering home the importance of patients taking penicillin injections every 28 days.

"It's great to have Robbie [Fruean] - somebody who has been through it and can speak eloquently on the subject."

Fruean has had his own battle with the disease - putting his rugby career on hold to undergo two open-heart surgeries.

He gave a talk to the children on the field, sharing his experience and showing them the scars from his surgeries.

"It hasn't really stopped me from doing the things I've wanted to do in life," he told the kids. "I hope one day you guys can enjoy a career and your own kids and families."

Fruean was diagnosed with rheumatic fever in 2007, when he was 19. He told Hawke's Bay Today the number of kids and families who turned out to the event was "inspiring".

"It's an opportunity to share with them the experience I've had, because the last thing I want is for a kid to go through the same situation. The chances of catching rheumatic fever a second time are much higher without the injections."

Jarrod Waerea, of Hastings, was at the afternoon tea with his five children, including his 10-year-old daughter, Hine, who was diagnosed with the non-contagious disease. She had been receiving penicillin injections for six months.

"It sends a good message to everybody - it's important to raise awareness and stay positive."