Katie Pugh
Katie's Sky Dive for HR Trust!
Fundraising for Histiocytosis UK
Story
Hello Everyone. On 10th July 2010 I will be taking my first ever aeroplane ride (scary in itself) only to launch myself out again for a Charity Sky Dive!!
I am raising money for The HR Trust who research into the causes and treatment of Histocytosis diseases. Steve had treatment for Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis a number of years ago and is still suffering from the effect of the disease. The HR Trust has been very helpful to us in providing information to Steve's doctors and arranging for a refferal to see Dr Chu @ Hammersmith Hospital.
The HR Trust is currently raising money to help train a Dr to take over the adult LCH clinic when Dr Chu retires in 6 years time. If a replacement is not found and trained the clinic will be forced to close! This would be a huge loss to the LCH and HLH patients and would make effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease even more difficult!
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease. It is estimated that 1 in 200,000 children will become ill with it each year. In the UK , there are around 50 new cases each year. Very little is known about LCH. Doctors are often unable to diagnose it because it presents with many different symptoms and as a result, diagnosis and treatment is delayed. Adult onset is rare People suffering from LCH have too many histiocytes – a histiocyte is a type of white blood cell which normally helps fight infection. But in those adults and children suffering from LCH, the histiocytes spread through the bloodstream and cause damage to healthy parts of the body. In some ways, LCH is similar to cancer and is currently treated with chemotherapy, radiation and steroids.
People suffering from either LCH or HLH endure long treatments with debilitating side effects and while some may recover, others unfortunately will not and both diseases can be fatal.
Doctors call LCH an ‘orphan’ disease because it is so rare. As a result, research into why it happens, how it can be treated and even cured, has been limited. Unfortunately, doctors and scientists don’t know what causes LCH – it is not hereditary and it is not infectious.
So Please Sponsor me however much you can...anything is appreciated and as you can see it's all going to a really really good cause!
Thank You
Katie
I am raising money for The HR Trust who research into the causes and treatment of Histocytosis diseases. Steve had treatment for Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis a number of years ago and is still suffering from the effect of the disease. The HR Trust has been very helpful to us in providing information to Steve's doctors and arranging for a refferal to see Dr Chu @ Hammersmith Hospital.
The HR Trust is currently raising money to help train a Dr to take over the adult LCH clinic when Dr Chu retires in 6 years time. If a replacement is not found and trained the clinic will be forced to close! This would be a huge loss to the LCH and HLH patients and would make effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease even more difficult!
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease. It is estimated that 1 in 200,000 children will become ill with it each year. In the UK , there are around 50 new cases each year. Very little is known about LCH. Doctors are often unable to diagnose it because it presents with many different symptoms and as a result, diagnosis and treatment is delayed. Adult onset is rare People suffering from LCH have too many histiocytes – a histiocyte is a type of white blood cell which normally helps fight infection. But in those adults and children suffering from LCH, the histiocytes spread through the bloodstream and cause damage to healthy parts of the body. In some ways, LCH is similar to cancer and is currently treated with chemotherapy, radiation and steroids.
People suffering from either LCH or HLH endure long treatments with debilitating side effects and while some may recover, others unfortunately will not and both diseases can be fatal.
Doctors call LCH an ‘orphan’ disease because it is so rare. As a result, research into why it happens, how it can be treated and even cured, has been limited. Unfortunately, doctors and scientists don’t know what causes LCH – it is not hereditary and it is not infectious.
So Please Sponsor me however much you can...anything is appreciated and as you can see it's all going to a really really good cause!
Thank You
Katie