Help Support Margo

 My name is Alice, my mum Margo is suffering from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and what I hope to achieve with this GoFundMe page is to raise funds and awareness. Funds to assist mum and Dean through this difficult time and to help improve quality of life by having the means to do the things they want. And awareness of this disease and the challenges for the sufferers. What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs. Over time this scarring gets worse and it becomes hard to breathe and the lungs cannot take enough oxygen.  Symptoms of IPF may include chest pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, loss of energy, change of finger shape "clubbing". There is no cure for IPF and there are currently no procedures or medications that can remove the scarring from the lungs. Treatments are used to slow progression of the lung scarring, and may not necessarily lessen the symptoms of cough and breathlessness.  Some of the treatments Mum may undergo is supplemental oxygen (currently using), pulmonary rehab (exercise training, education and support) (currently participating) and lung transplant. The disease is progressive (worsening over time) and unfortunately the prognosis for sufferers is poor with life expectancy at Mum's stage at less than 2 years (without transplant). Financial Support As you can imagine the physical, emotional and financial stress on Mum and Dean is enormous. Mum has a hard road ahead of her but with support from family and friends we can perhaps ease the struggle. Some of the costs involved at this stage are fees for specialised tests, petrol for multiple appointments a week, loss of work for Dean. We are hopeful that Mum will be able to receive a lung transplant in the next 18 months. This would require a 3 month stay in Melbourne where the costs will be substantial. There will be the cost of the rehab hospital she would need to stay at, plus hotel costs in the initial period for Dean, and travel costs for Dean. Over this period of time there will be financial stress involved in loss of work for Dean also. If she doesn’t get the transplant, funds can help ease financial stress so they can improve quality of life and enjoy the time they have as best they can.  Why this campaign? Mum and Dean would never ask for help, but the fact is we all need a little help at times. I wanted to do this campaign so that Mum and Dean can put their energy into treatment and quality of life rather than worry about finances over the next couple of years. From my experience, when people find out that a loved one is suffering they want to help in some way. Often there isn't much they can practically do, but something we can all do that could make a huge difference to Mum and Deans life is allowing them the freedom not to worry about the costs of treatment etc.  These funds can be used immediately, and once Mum goes on the transplant list (in the next few months) realistically the money could be required for travel and expenses straight away. If you can help by making a donation, no matter how small, it would be greatly appreciated.  Please contact me if you have any questions.