Hi, my name is Sarah. Thanks for reading my story. 

I am a single Mum of my 11 year old daughter and I live  in country Western Australia.

In August 2019 I was diagnosed with chronic Sarcoidosis. I already have a complex medical history, yet at that time they found the disease and its scarring in my heart, lungs and brain. According to recent medical reports, I have scarring through the middle of my heart which interferes with the electrical impulses needed in normal heart function.  Further, I have had three mini strokes (I am only in my thirties). Due to my medical condition I am unable to work.

Presently, I am being managed by a respiratory specialist and the Cardiac Failure and Transplant Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth. 

I am raising funds as my extended family and I are no longer able to pay for the prescribed treatment.  Presently, I am taking mycophenolate and my body is responding to the treatment. Previously I trialed two other treatments, however, the side effects made me very unwell. If I were a cancer patient, and/or given a terminal diagnosis, the cost of this treatment would be approximately $6-40/week under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Yet, for my situation it costs approximately $440/week, and has already cost approximately $20,000. These costs are completely unsustainable for my family. We have entirely exhausted our financial means. 

Ceasing treatment is not recommended by my Specialist. Cardiac Sarcoidosis is fatal if left untreated. 

We are exploring other funding avenues.  I have written to the Minister of Health (WA) without success. 

Your donation will help us significantly.  Our funding goal will pay for approximately four years of treatment. Should my treatment be made available through the PBS, excess funding will go to medical research specific to the early detection of cardiac Sarcoidosis. 

I (we) would be so grateful for your donation. Thank you for helping us! Sarah x