PORT Macquarie’s Bowie Pedro has taken her campaign for better access to severe eczema treatment to Parliament House, with the support of Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan.
Bowie, who lives with severe atopic dermatitis, commonly known as severe eczema, met Mr Conaghan during a visit to Canberra.
The young advocate experienced years of daily pain caused by the condition before receiving compassionate access to a new treatment through Westmead Children’s Hospital.
The medication, which was couriered to her home, has dramatically improved her quality of life.
In a recent Facebook post Mr Conaghan said it was a pleasure to meet Bowie and hear about her determination to help other children facing the same challenges.
“Since a very young age, Bowie has suffered from severe atopic dermatitis, commonly known as severe eczema,” Mr Conaghan said.
“Her condition caused significant daily pain, to the point that even the wind on her skin was unbearable.
“But thankfully, in recent months Bowie has been treated at Westmead Children’s Hospital with compassionate access to a new biologic treatment … which has brought her condition under control.
“When I saw her today, she was the bright, bubbly eight-year-old she deserves to be.
Pain-free and happy.”
Mr Conaghan said Bowie’s experience highlighted the need for the treatment to become more widely available.
He said the biologic treatment is currently not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for children under 12, despite its life-changing impact.
“She is a walking example of why access to this treatment should be available to all kids her age who are suffering every day,” Mr Conaghan said.
He praised Bowie’s courage in speaking up on behalf of other children.
“Fighting on behalf of others due to your own personal experiences is a powerful thing.
“Great to see in someone so young,” he said.
Mr Conaghan said he would write to the Federal Health Minister seeking support to make the treatment available to eligible children through the PBS.
“Well done, Bowie.
“You represented yourself, our region and all children living with severe eczema beautifully.”
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