Dig deep for the Simpsons

This time last year Ashley Simpson was a a Yr 12 student in Lismore NSW with the end of school in sight. Visualising an apprenticeship, eager to take on anything, hanging out for turning 18 and for the adventures to begin. Then that all went out the window. After a few months of pain and many diagnoses, eventuating in surgery July 2017, came the shock discovery of a tumor, resulting in major bowel surgery. Then came the diagnosis of Stage 4 Burkitts Lymphoma; a rare and highly aggressive form of non Hodgkin's lymphoma, recognized as the fastest growing human tumor. Ashley and his family have been on a rollercoaster ever since.

Treatment began with intensive chemotherapy at Gold Coast University Hospital only to relapse days before going home. This was immediately followed by more chemo, radiation, Stem Cell Transplant, radiation again. Next required treatment took them from the Gold Coast to Brisbane for a donor Stem Cell transplant, Alex his younger brother being a match. This final step has proven to still be unable to beat this insidious disease, but they have hope with Ashley being accepted into a trial at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, with plans to be there by the end of this month. Until then they continue to live away from home in Brisbane.

As at May 1st it is 281 days since Ashley's cancer diagnosis, 268 since leaving home in Lismore, 108 of those spent in a hospital bed. They are now looking at many weeks, possibly months in Sydney. As you can imagine it takes a toll; emotionally, physically and financially. I think by all giving a bit we can help with the financial costs. The everyday costs of living don't go away and then there are the increased costs of travel, accommodation, medical expenses and more. This is especially so now as they look to support each other and Ashley from an even greater distance again, after 10 months already on this nightmare rollercoaster.

Let's all dig deep and show our love and support for the Simpson family. Please donate.