A little help for my friend. (Peter McCarthy)

Let me introduce you to the most selfless giving couple that you would ever be privleged to meet, "Peter & Kim McCarthy" My wife & I had the good fortune to meet Kim through my wifes misfortune, She was diagnosed with MS, Kim was the MS nurse for our area & we became very good friends, that was almost 15 years ago.

Why are we asking.

These guys are going through some tough times at the moment both emotionaly & stressfully. Some financial assistance would be greatly appreciated & will help immensley to relieve some of the worry associated with expenses for upcoming operations. Peter travels interstate to Melbourne for major surgery. Kim needs to take unpaid leave to care for him post op, this will be 2-3 + months in total, also interstate accommodation, travel etc, etc.

Why does Peter need an operation ??

May 2021: Peter had a small skin cancer (SCC) removed from the top of his head.

This was followed by more operations and grafts to stop the spread of the cancer as it was following nerve pathways. Unfortunately, the cancer grew back and Pete needed radiotherapy.

The whole top of his skull area that was radiated broke down and ulcerated which meant twice daily dressings for many months and ongoing infections.

Thankfully the cancer has gone but more surgeries and grafting were needed including major surgery in Melbourne in Nov 2022.

Peter and Kim would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the financial assistance given by The Exeter Services & Community Club and Exeter RSL Sub branch for this trip as Kim had to leave her work to be in Melbourne with Peter.

Pete’s skull has started to die from the radiotherapy so he now requires 2 further major surgeries in Melbourne 5 months apart which include being in Melbourne hospital and then staying nearby the hospital for post op treatment and the fitting of a specialised helmet which he will need to wear 24/7 as he will not have skull bone on top of his head until he returns 5-6 months later for further surgery in Melbourne.

This surgery cannot be done in Tasmania so they have no choice but to go to Melbourne.

After 12 operations, much pain, large skin grafts, reconstructions, ongoing daily dressings and radiotherapy over the last 2 years it will be his 13th operation done by a team of Neurosurgeons and Plastic Surgeons followed by his 14 op on return to Melb in approx 6 months’ time to have a prosthetic skull put in place.

So as you can see they have been on an emotional & costly roller coaster over the last couple of years, & true to form they remain optermistic & upbeat.

Which is why I ask for "A little help for my friends"

Peter also has an autoimmune disorder & has not been able to work for the past 29 years and has been involved in several community organisations in a volunteer capacity. He received the 2015 Citizen of the year award from the West Tamar Council for his contibution to the community.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2015

Kim has always nursed within facilities or the community and was the Multiple Sclerosis Nurse for North and NW Tas from 2009 – 2018. Kim continues to be passionate about raising funds for MS Research each year.

Even with all thier own issues Kim has just completed the MS fundraiser,

"The May 50K 2023"

So thats it guys, thanks in advance for all donations & shares, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Regards.

"A little help for my friends"