Hi, our names are Shane and Kristy. In August this year, our good friend Keeley was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was extremely progressive and all through her spine. This family have been doing it tough ever since. This young family have no support of family or friends close by. They are doing this all on their own. I am hoping to give them some relief of their financial burdens. I would like to raise enough money to get bills paid and get some support to help care for the Keeley, her children, and their home. Please read her story below. Thank you for your support.

Keeley was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in August after she suspected she was having a stroke. Multiple Sclerosis is an auto immune disorder that eats the myelin coating around the nerves of the brain and spine leaving serious damage. Unfortunately, Keeley’s MS is extremely progressive and there is no cure.

Keeley is a full-time carer to her high needs son who is unable to attend any mainstream schooling. Keeley suffers a lot of issues since loosing her left side function. This includes chronic fatigue and issues with her bladder. These issues and more effect Keeley with caring for her kids and performing everyday tasks.

Keeley’s partner David works full time. He also takes on the role of both parents. David starts his day extremely early. Dropping of their Daughter off at school before working a long day. This provides Keeley with a bit of help to focus on their Son and herself. David arrives home at 6PM or sometimes later. Then his other job begins with cooking, cleaning, showering Keeley and the kids..the list goes on.

Keeley cannot drive. As there is no support from family or friends close by, this means Dave must take time off work to take Keeley to appointments/treatments. They must also take their son to every appointment as there is no one to care for him. This also impacts their Son. He is unable to attend much needed therapy sessions and other appointments due to Keeley not being able to drive.

Keeley and Dave had the most amazing and successful photography business which they built from the ground up. Unfortunately they have had to give this up due to Keeley’s health problems.

Keeley has just finished a round of treatment which was unsuccessful. The next step is an intensive chemotherapy treatment. This treatment will kill off her B cells to give her immune system a restart. This treatment will begin in January. Keeley’s whole family will need to isolate at home for 2 weeks while this treatment is happening. This means Dave must take two weeks off work and both children to be at home. Dave will need to drive Keeley to her treatment and appointments as well as taking on the household chores and children. The family will be living on a reduced income for these two weeks. Not to mention the cost of new medications, fuel and parking going to and from the hospital.

The family has reached out to all the government services and assistance available. Unfortunately, all options require being on high volume waitlists. This family needs help now.

With treatment beginning at the start of the new year, Keeley and Dave are feeling quite stressed. We all know the cost of living is ridiculous right now. All the extra costs and being on one income are impacting Christmas. All they want is to give their kids a normal Christmas before their world changes in January.

For the past 4 months, this family have lived day to day, pay cheque to pay cheque. They have also had to pay out of pocket for multiple assisted living devices for Keeley. This had to be done to ensure Keeley can get around the house and shower.

The medication costs are hundreds of dollars per week. The family also pays out of pocket for intensive therapy sessions for their son. These sessions cost $400-$600 each time. These sessions are a much-needed support for their Son.

Between focusing on her own health, Keeley also spends hours a day on the phone trying to access services and get help for her and her Son. These services are now limited because face to face appointments are now not possible.

Here is a breakdown of the costs of Keeley’s illness. This is on top of everyday living costs and bills.

• Vaccines to get ready for treatment: $297 per jab

• Doctor’s visits- $80 each time

• Parking- $20 per day

• Fuel to and from the hospital and appointments for treatment- $500

• Medications every week- $130

Any amount will help this young family in need. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support.