Hi my name is Jacquelene and I’m raising funds for my daughter Neriah.

Neriah is preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant in the hope of curing her sickle cell disease. This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

Sickle cell disease is a serious inherited blood disorder. It affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells, causing the cells to become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped instead of soft and round. Because of this, the cells can block blood flow, reduce oxygen to the body, break down too early, and cause severe complications including intense pain, anaemia, infections, acute chest syndrome, stroke, and damage to organs over time. This is not just “being unwell” from time to time. It is a lifelong and potentially life-threatening condition.

Up until now, Neriah has been having monthly blood exchanges, not just simple blood transfusions. A blood exchange is a more involved treatment used in sickle cell care to remove sickled red blood cells and replace them with healthy donor red cells to help prevent or reduce serious complications and organ damage. The fact that she has needed this level of treatment regularly shows how serious her condition has been.

What makes this even more emotional is that two of our children are involved in this journey. Neriah’s brother will be her donor. Out of all her siblings, Neriah is the only one living with sickle cell disease. As parents, that reality is incredibly heavy. We are carrying the weight of one child going through transplant and another child stepping in as part of that life-changing process.

We are a hardworking family and anyone who knows us knows we do not easily ask for help. We have always tried to work hard, push through, and be the ones giving when others are in need. But this season is beyond what hard work alone can carry.

We want to make it clear that the bone marrow transplant itself is covered. The funds we are raising are not for the procedure itself, but to help our family manage the many other expenses that will come with this journey.

For at least 6 months, we will be losing one source of income so that we can fully focus on Neriah through transplant, hospital stays, recovery, and the intense care this process will require. We are asking for support to help cover essential living costs, transport, groceries, bills, and the many unexpected expenses that come with such a major medical journey.

If you are able to donate, we would be deeply grateful. Every amount, no matter how small, will help take some of the pressure off our family so we can focus on getting Neriah through this.

If donating is not possible, and you are in Newcastle and The Hunter, you can still support our family in a meaningful way by buying from us at the markets. You’ll find DidiMin at Glendale Markets on Saturdays and Newcastle Farmers Market on Sundays. Every meal bought helps more than you know and goes a long way for our family during this season. You can also follow our journey and support us on Facebook and Instagram at DidiMin.

We truly believe that kindness given in a hard season never goes to waste. In the future, we will not hesitate to pay it forward. And one day, Neriah will grow up knowing that people showed up for her, stood with her, and helped carry her family through one of the hardest times of our lives. That is something we will never forget.

Thank you for reading, for praying, for sharing, for donating, and for supporting us in any way you can.