Camille's Medical Help Fund

Camille was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2005, when she was 12. She underwent two years of intense chemo and radiotherapy, with terrible side effects. One of the most severe being the loss of her mobility and short term memory, as a result of a brain injury sustained during radiotherapy. After her treatment finished she spent another two and a half years attending regular therapy sessions in order to regain the use of her legs and her short term memory. The years following have been full of ups and downs. She has made a number of achievements and helped inspire many, despite her ongoing health issues.In 2013 she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a debilitatingly painful disorder that also causes extreme fatigue. In 2015 she sought the help of a specialist who found she had a double gene mutation, commonly associated with Fibromyalgia. She began treatment and within three weeks she had made remarkable improvements (a huge breakthrough for us). Finally there seemed to be light at the end of a long 10 year health battle.

However on the 27th of November 2015 after struggling with recurrent glandular fever, Camille woke up and found her legs were not responding correctly. Being quite alarmed we booked for her in to see a doctor that afternoon. Over the course of the day Camille made a rapid decline, to the point where she could no longer control her legs or walk unsupported. The doctor took one look at her and sent her straight to emergency. Over the next few hours Doctors and specialist closely examined her condition, however they were baffled by her unusual presentation. She was kept in hospital and sent to the neurological ward where she underwent numerous examinations and tests, which again returned inconclusive. It was then agreed that footage of Camille walking would be sent to some of the top movement specialist in Australia. On the Second of December we were informed that Camille has a rare neurological condition called Functional Gait Disorder. This rare condition causes a disconnect in the brain, resulting in an inability for messages to be correctly sent to different parts of the body, in Camille's case her legs and to a small degree her arms.

This condition is not well understood but they believe it is most likely the result of Camille's extensive medical history, and previous brain injury. After her diagnosis she was transferred to the Repatriation General Hospital for specialist rehabilitation and to learn how to manage her condition. She spent two weeks as an inpatient and is just about to finish a six week day rehabilitation program. She has done remarkably well. Her motivation, positivity and persistent attitude has inspired many and she has become well loved amongst her specialists and fellow rehabilitation attendees.
As her time at the Repatriation Day Rehabilitation Centre comes to an end we are faced with the financial challenge of continuing her life long rehabilitation privately, as well as setting her up and enabling her to adapt to her new way of life.

With her inability to drive, and mobility issues she is in urgent need of an electric wheelchair to help her get from A to B, however at a cost of $5000+ along with a number of other ongoing expenses we are in need of some extra help. Other expenses include;
- Specialist equipment to enable her to live independently in her own home
- Membership to an exercise gym and hydrotherapy pool
- Access to rehabilitation services
- Access to a number of specialist including physio's, occupational therapists, excersise physiologist, neurologists, psychologists, and social workers
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Basic in home support

She has inspired so many along her journey so please help us inspire her and create a way for her to continue her rehabilitation as well as access the community and regain her independence.
Thank you Ralph and Julie Dowdell (aka Mum and Dad)