Help local family with medical expenses

While most students were enjoying fall break this year, middle schooler Charles Besse Jr. was fighting for his life. It was originally thought he had meningitis, but it was later discovered that his life-threatening illness was caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. After spending several weeks in intensive care and in rehabilitation, his family is struggling with the mounting medical expenses. An online account to help the family has been set up under Help the Besse Family at GoFundMe.com.Charles is only 12 years old and in the seventh grade. His parents, Hope Besse and Charles Besse Sr., rushed him to the hospital Oct. 12 after a painful headache and fever made him extremely weak and unable to speak. ’His dad and I rushed him to Upson Regional where he became unresponsive on the way so they put him on life support as soon as they got him back in the ER. He was then life flighted to Egleston right away,’ said Hope. ‘They originally thought he had meningococcal meningitis but after many days of testing, they found out he had a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae which caused a meningitis from the swelling and pressure in his brain. During this time, the neurologist had to drain fluids off of his brain because of swelling.’Charles started breathing on his own and was taken off of life support Oct. 17 after five days. He underwent a multitude of tests at Egleston over the next several days and an MRI showed a blood clot on the left side of his brain. He will be on medication for at least three months in an attempt to dissolve the clot. ’After he was off all of the machines and started healing – through God’s healing – we noticed he couldn’t move his right side,’ said Hope. He was moved to Scottish Rite for Rehabilitation on Oct. 24 because he was having trouble with his balance. The traumatic brain issue have caused him to have problems with movement and other issues. He will be on several expensive medications for the next several months. Charles has two other brothers, Chase Cooley in fifth grade and Matthew Besse in kindergarten. His dad is a Corporal with the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office and his mom is a stay at home mom. They have been taking turns being with Charles in the hospital and rehabilitation center. ’We’ve had help from my family and help from my husband’s family as they send us cards, gifts and watched our youngest sons when needed,’ she said. ‘In time, Charles will heal with God’s guidance.’Charles Besse was able to return home in November and a welcome home party was held for him Nov. 4 at Elkins Creek Baptist Church in Molena.