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Melanie Joe raised £685 from 29 supporters

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Closed 07/12/2019

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£685
raised of £3,000 target by 29 supporters

    Weʼve raised £685 to Help Bron on the road to Mexico for HSCT treatment for MS

    Funded on Saturday, 7th December 2019

    Don't have time to donate right now?

    Story

    Bron and I have been friends for almost half my life. We have road tripped the wiles of New Zealand, bounced around South America and sung Elvis until our lungs burst down the mean streets of Wellington. There are not many other people who would agree to travel across two countries in a half-cooked bus, boat across a lake to an island just to check out a rock that vaguely resembles a lion. This woman is a friend, a sister, a mother to two beautiful children and a total legend.

    Eight years ago Bron was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This has had a significant impact on her health, work and life. She has exhausted all treatment options available in New Zealand and has now made the decision to under go Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) treatment in Mexico as her best chance to halt the progression of her MS. This is an invasive and expensive treatment only available in a few countries around the world. Friends and family hope to raise money across both NZ and the UK to enable her to undergo this treatment.

    What is life like living with MS? I think Bron is the person best placed to describe how MS has affected her life. This her story below.

    I'm on a journey to Mexico for HSCT treatment to halt progression of my MS and allow me to live my best life possible.

    I am a 38-year-old, mother of two awesome kids, Sienna (6) and Lucas (3). I woke up one morning in July in 2011 to discover I had no vision at all in my right eye. An MRI showed multiple brain lesions and after a further relapse where my hands felt like they were on fire I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

    Since then I have had multiple relapses including loss of vision in my 'good' left eye, burning hands, and tremors. I have permanently lost the central vision in my right eye and I experience high levels of fatigue. I am at risk of losing sight in my 'good' eye leaving me blind, or losing my mobility which is very common with MS.

    After working hard for 10 years as a lawyer I had to give up my legal career to manage my MS. I have recently been studying International Development as I am keen to still be able to make a difference in the world.

    I was initially on a daily injection but continued to relapse and am now on an immune suppressant which is administered every six weeks in Hospital. This immune suppressant carries the risk of a fatal brain infection as a potential side effect. Knowing this weighs on me constantly. After a further episode of burning hands earlier this year that had me unable to care for my kids and in high levels of pain, I decided to apply for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (which includes chemotherapy) in Mexico.

    It is a month-long treatment in Mexico with around three months home quarantine on my return to NZ, while my immune system begins to re-build.

    The results from this treatment have been really great but it is not yet available in NZ for MS. The cost of treatment, carer, and flights is over NZ$100,000!

    My daughter asks why I am always tired, sick and needing medicine. She made me a star chart for doing things like reading stories and making dinner. These should be easily achievable for a mother and yet on days when even a wisp of air causes pain and I can't hold a book; or when fatigue is so extreme cooking is a fire risk and even cereal for dinner is a challenge, completing these tasks is an accomplishment.

    My children are still young; they still want me to play. This is something I already struggle with and will only get harder without this treatment. There are few things more terrifying than the fear of not watching your children grow or what would happen if you could not care for them.

    I'd appreciate any and all help to get to Mexico for treatment.

    Bronwyn xx

    Use of funds

    The funds will be used for HSCT treatment in Mexico, flights, carer and post-treatment assistance

    Updates

    4

    • Melanie Joe4 years ago
      Melanie Joe

      Melanie Joe

      4 years ago

      A huge thank you to all for your kind donations and support. Bron and I made it to Mexico and she completed her HSCT treatment. It was an absolute rollercoaster of a journey, with a regimented schedule of chemo, medications, injections, stem cell transplants. The clinic and staff, patients and other cares have been incredible and support invaluable. Bron is now home with her children, family and community. She will be under strict restrictions for the next 6 months as her body recovers.

      Update from the Page owner

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    • Melanie Joe4 years ago
      Melanie Joe

      Melanie Joe

      4 years ago

      I’m swapping wheels for dance shoes! We are off to a Ceilidh! A Ceilidh is a “traditional Scottish gathering”. Otherwise known as a massive party, in a huge hall, with music of a Gaelic folk persuasion and masses of stomping good fun. If there is one thing that can make you laugh, smile and bring you an abundance of joy it is dancing. I have fundraising tickets to sell at £25.00 each for the 27th September at 730pm, Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London. This includes a donation to Bron's fundraiser. Please in touch if you are interested.

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    • Melanie Joe4 years ago
      Melanie Joe

      Melanie Joe

      4 years ago

      Prudential Ride 100 was an exhilarating, wonderful, frustrating and challenging cycle through the heart of London to the heady heights of Surrey Hills. Shark socks, protein bars, the eternal sun and the company of thousands made it an incredible day to be out on a bike and riding to raise money to get Bron the vital medical treatment she needs for MS. Thank you so much for all your incredible messages and support.

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    5 years ago

    Melanie Joe started crowdfunding

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    Page last updated on: 11/12/2019 01.08

    Supporters

    29

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Sep 19, 2019

      Well done for doing this Mel. Hope your friend gets well soon!

      £10.00

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Sep 10, 2019

      I don't know either of you, but was so moved by your story. Wishing you all the very best and sending lots of positivity your way!

    • The Boulton’s

      The Boulton’s

      Aug 14, 2019

      We will be thinking of you and your family, good luck Melanie! We are so proud of you, very well done Jess! With love XxxxX

      £30.00

    • Meg

      Meg

      Aug 6, 2019

      Good Job Mel!!!Whooop:)

    • Anais

      Anais

      Aug 6, 2019

      Yo Mell !! You're a ledg !! Such a great thing to do for a very moving cause !! Keep the love and spirit high !! XXX

      £10.00

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Aug 5, 2019

      £10.00

    • John

      John

      Aug 5, 2019

      £5.00

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    Melanie Joe

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