Hi everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read our story.

We are fundraising for my partner, Jack Turner, who has been battling a painful and often misunderstood condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). TSW can occur when someone stops using topical steroid creams after long-term or high-strength use. Over time, the skin becomes dependent on these medications, and when they’re withdrawn, the body can react severely.

After years of being mismanaged on steroid treatments, Jack’s health has deteriorated to the point where his daily life has become debilitating. We are now exploring the option to get him the specialised care he urgently needs, and a clinic in Thailand offers treatment for TSW, that has also helped other people with the same condition, and this may finally offer a real chance at long-term healing for Jack.

Jack’s journey began with what seemed like a simple rash on his neck. A dermatologist in Perth, Fremantle prescribed steroid creams, which helped briefly—but each time the rash returned, it came back worse. The prescriptions got stronger, and his concerns about diet and underlying issues were dismissed.

After three years of this cycle, Jack took matters into his own hands and got a food allergy test done. He discovered he had significant allergies to several foods he was eating daily. When he stopped the steroid creams, his skin rapidly declined. Within weeks, he developed severe burning, peeling, and raw, weeping skin. He ended up in the ER multiple times and was repeatedly treated with oral steroids, prednisone, and antibiotics.

These flare-ups kept returning, and long-term prednisone use eventually led to episodes of psychosis. Jack was evacuated from multiple FIFO job sites due to the severity of his condition. He is now on a long-term immunosuppressive medication (Rinvoq), which he desperately wants to stop—but he can’t until he heals. His dream is to join the Australian Defence Force as an infantry soldier, a path that requires him to be completely medication-free.

In hopes of finding answers, Jack and I drove across Australia from Perth to Tweed Heads to seek alternative care. But this journey has taken a massive toll—physically, mentally, and financially.

We are hoping to travel to Thailand so Jack can receive CAP treatment in Thailand for his TSW and finally begin to rebuild his life. While Thailand remains our first choice, we are also exploring all possible treatment options here in Australia to make sure he receives the best care available. 

No matter where his treatment ends up taking place, every donation will go directly toward Jack’s medical costs. 

Any support, no matter how small, means the world to us. It brings Jack one step closer to healing, security, and the future he’s been fighting so hard for.

Thank you for reading, sharing, or supporting. Your kindness truly makes a difference.