Help Ben Get His Life Back
Donation protected
Our Ben (Benny) has always been independent and not one to ask for help or handouts, so as family we are writing this on his behalf. We have seen the toll that Crohn's has taken on Ben, particularly his energy levels. It has stopped him from doing many of the simple things he loves like playing his guitar and going on hikes with his dog Lola.
Ben’s Story
Ben Fraser has been battling Crohn's disease for almost 20 of his 40 years. He was first clinically diagnosed in March 2005 when he was admitted to the ER at Frankston Hospital after a camping trip with friends was cut short as he was in excruciating pain. He had surgery for what they thought was acute appendicitis which turned out to be perforated bowel and resulted in his first hemicolectomy (part removal of the colon).
He has tried any and all treatments that Oz can offer including conventional methods, natural therapies and many hospital admissions resulting in more surgeries to remove small bowel/intestines. His partner Jannina has been vigilant in keeping Ben’s diet super healthy, dairy & gluten free, and has tried everything recommended.
For the last two years he has had monthly IV infusions of infliximab (remicade) and weekly doses of methotrexate – this has not reduced the number of Crohn's flare ups nor has it improved his quality of life and now with more painful symptoms than before, life has become unbearable.
Ben's symptoms are many and varied, inflammation is not only attacking his digestive system but he is experiencing extreme weight loss, painful swelling in his eyes, bones and joints, random skin rashes, nasal sores and chronic fatigue. The pain is so bad at times he cannot function (i.e. walk) and has lost income due to time off work which his income protection will not cover.
We can get Ben the life changing treatment he needs to be able to live a pain-free and full life. We know it will help him - we just have to get him there.
The Treatment
After serious research, enquiries and application to the Stem Cell Institute, Ben has been given final approval for adult stem cell treatment in America. This treatment has been proven successful for autoimmune diseases. For further information refer to: www.cellmedicine.com
How you can help
We are hoping to raise enough money to cover the medical treatment and associated costs e.g. air fares, meals etc.
Treatment is not covered by his private health insurance, so we are asking for any donation, no matter how small, that will help Ben get his treatment as soon as possible. This will mean the world to Ben and his family who all love him dearly and want him to have a better life.
To Donate - click on the "Donate" button (above on top right side of this page).
Please note: To avoid paying a tip to GoFundMe - make sure you change the tipping options to "Other" (i.e. select the arrow pointing down, then at the bottom of the list select "Other").
We are truly grateful to everyone who can donate or share Ben’s story, if the world had more people like you it would be a better place. You do make a difference!
Thank you!
Ben’s Story
Ben Fraser has been battling Crohn's disease for almost 20 of his 40 years. He was first clinically diagnosed in March 2005 when he was admitted to the ER at Frankston Hospital after a camping trip with friends was cut short as he was in excruciating pain. He had surgery for what they thought was acute appendicitis which turned out to be perforated bowel and resulted in his first hemicolectomy (part removal of the colon).
He has tried any and all treatments that Oz can offer including conventional methods, natural therapies and many hospital admissions resulting in more surgeries to remove small bowel/intestines. His partner Jannina has been vigilant in keeping Ben’s diet super healthy, dairy & gluten free, and has tried everything recommended.
For the last two years he has had monthly IV infusions of infliximab (remicade) and weekly doses of methotrexate – this has not reduced the number of Crohn's flare ups nor has it improved his quality of life and now with more painful symptoms than before, life has become unbearable.
Ben's symptoms are many and varied, inflammation is not only attacking his digestive system but he is experiencing extreme weight loss, painful swelling in his eyes, bones and joints, random skin rashes, nasal sores and chronic fatigue. The pain is so bad at times he cannot function (i.e. walk) and has lost income due to time off work which his income protection will not cover.
We can get Ben the life changing treatment he needs to be able to live a pain-free and full life. We know it will help him - we just have to get him there.
The Treatment
After serious research, enquiries and application to the Stem Cell Institute, Ben has been given final approval for adult stem cell treatment in America. This treatment has been proven successful for autoimmune diseases. For further information refer to: www.cellmedicine.com
How you can help
We are hoping to raise enough money to cover the medical treatment and associated costs e.g. air fares, meals etc.
Treatment is not covered by his private health insurance, so we are asking for any donation, no matter how small, that will help Ben get his treatment as soon as possible. This will mean the world to Ben and his family who all love him dearly and want him to have a better life.
To Donate - click on the "Donate" button (above on top right side of this page).
Please note: To avoid paying a tip to GoFundMe - make sure you change the tipping options to "Other" (i.e. select the arrow pointing down, then at the bottom of the list select "Other").
We are truly grateful to everyone who can donate or share Ben’s story, if the world had more people like you it would be a better place. You do make a difference!
Thank you!
Organizer
Jannina Stillitano
Organizer
Melbourne VIC
