The $1000 Haircut for Scleroderma
Donation protected
Anyone who knows me, knows that there would be more chance of me pitching a tent in the Kalahari Desert then me shaving/cutting my hair off. It has taken me about 2 months to psych myself up to even post this campaign online.
On 1 July, I will be cutting/shaving my hair off. Why? To raise money for a very dear friend of mine's little brother, Nicquane, who was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma in February 2014. The progressive nature of Nic's condition means that it is not just the hardening of skin and limbs that he has to endure, but it is attacking his internal organs, including his heart and lungs. His parent's have re-mortgaged their house to finance Nic's journey to America to undergo life-saving treatment. The money that I raise through this campaign will be given to Nic and his family.
A bit about Nic's journey so far...
After 18 months of unsuccessful medication and therapies (including Chemotherapy) to help reduce/stop the progression, it was clear that time was not on Nic's side. His lung function is 50% (deteriorating at pace) seriously limiting his options. He was recommended for a Stem Cell Transplant. This is the only known treatment to stop the progression for serious SSc patients, however this procedure comes with risks.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Auto immune conditions were being trialled at St Vincent's Hospital. Due to the rareity of cases, only a small number of patients have been treated since inception over 10 years ago. In Nic's first meeting at St Vincent's in Sydney, he was confronted with the harsh reality that 2 patients did not survive the procedure due to heart related issues.
We nearly lost Nic when his heart rate increased to 150bpm and stayed there for 18 hours until medication was able to bring it back down to a normal 40bpm.
Nic is currently in Chicago undergoing a stem cell transplant operation by a specialist in the field. The treatment is risky, but it is the last option to explore. Without it, well , let's not talk about without it.
So, I may need oxygen during my haircut/shave, but if I can raise a HEAP of money to support Nicquane and his family, it will be worth being house-bound until my hair grows back.
Please dig deep. And if you have any social media presence, please share and encourage anyone and everyone to donate.
Stay tuned gorgeous people X
On 1 July, I will be cutting/shaving my hair off. Why? To raise money for a very dear friend of mine's little brother, Nicquane, who was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma in February 2014. The progressive nature of Nic's condition means that it is not just the hardening of skin and limbs that he has to endure, but it is attacking his internal organs, including his heart and lungs. His parent's have re-mortgaged their house to finance Nic's journey to America to undergo life-saving treatment. The money that I raise through this campaign will be given to Nic and his family.
A bit about Nic's journey so far...
After 18 months of unsuccessful medication and therapies (including Chemotherapy) to help reduce/stop the progression, it was clear that time was not on Nic's side. His lung function is 50% (deteriorating at pace) seriously limiting his options. He was recommended for a Stem Cell Transplant. This is the only known treatment to stop the progression for serious SSc patients, however this procedure comes with risks.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Auto immune conditions were being trialled at St Vincent's Hospital. Due to the rareity of cases, only a small number of patients have been treated since inception over 10 years ago. In Nic's first meeting at St Vincent's in Sydney, he was confronted with the harsh reality that 2 patients did not survive the procedure due to heart related issues.
We nearly lost Nic when his heart rate increased to 150bpm and stayed there for 18 hours until medication was able to bring it back down to a normal 40bpm.
Nic is currently in Chicago undergoing a stem cell transplant operation by a specialist in the field. The treatment is risky, but it is the last option to explore. Without it, well , let's not talk about without it.
So, I may need oxygen during my haircut/shave, but if I can raise a HEAP of money to support Nicquane and his family, it will be worth being house-bound until my hair grows back.
Please dig deep. And if you have any social media presence, please share and encourage anyone and everyone to donate.
Stay tuned gorgeous people X
Organizer
Natalie Roberts Potter
Organizer
Seddon VIC
