Fundraiser for family of Jahvin Bartlem who died from bacterial meningitis

A nine-year-old Mission Beach boy endured the trauma of losing his leg in an accident before being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis has tragically died.

A Mission Beach family has lost their nine-year-old son in tragic circumstances, with the community swinging into gear to offer support.

Jahvin Wiremu Bartlem was born in Cairns to parents Angela Brooks and Lyle Bartlem, and had already overcome so much in his short life.

He died from complications arising from bacterial meningitis on March 20.

Lia Dutton-Challis started the fundraiser, which has raised more than $10,000 to date, to help Ms Brooks and Mr Bartlem with funeral costs and other expenses.

Ms Dutton-Challis said Angela was among her oldest friends.

“Jahvin and his family had endured and overcome so much trauma and recovery already,” she said.

“Jahvin was rehabilitating from losing his leg a few years ago from a freak accident, doing so well, recovering and living life to the fullest with a prosthetic leg.”

Jahvin Wiremu Bartlem died aged nine years due to complications from bacterial meningitis and a fundraiser is being held for his family. Picture: Supplied

But she said he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and a blood clot on his brain.

“After around a week long battle in the intensive care unit at Townsville, where Jahvin battled one thing after another,” Ms Dutton-Challis said.

“Angela and Lyle were then told the most devastating news, that he wouldn’t survive.

“Jahvin’s family’s wishes were honoured though, and he was flown back home to be taken off life support there, and he passed away peacefully in the rainforest, with his loved ones around him.”

Ms Dutton-Challis said she couldn’t imagine the magnitude of her friends’ heartbreak and grief.

“No child should die before their parents, and parents having to endure such indescribable pain,” she said.

“The last thing this family needs is financial stress, and having to go back to work early, when they need as much time as they can, to heal and be with their closest people, to endure this grief with as much love, time and support as possible, while being strong and providing for their eldest son, Zai.”

She said the family needed time to mourn their son and rebuild their lives.

This financial support will make a big difference,” Ms Dutton-Challis said.

The fundraiser is on mycause.com.au.

Originally published as Fundraiser for family of Jahvin Bartlem who died from bacterial meningitis