My brother, Simon, suffered from total kidney failure before he was even 30 years old and had to retire from his career as a junior doctor. Anita, his wife, is now suffering from stage 4 breast cancer. Simon has had two kidney transplants and an extended time on dialysis, and Anita has had treatment for cancer including chemotherapy which sadly hasn't prevented a recurrence.
 

I want to help them raise money for their bouquet list (see the note at the bottom if you've not heard the term before), so that Simon and Anita can create experiences and memories with their two children. Their youngest is only 9 years old and has spent his whole life worrying about one or both of his parents' health.

During their illnesses, they have been positive and active in trying to help others. They have written a quartet of children's books to explain breast cancer and kidney failure which they have self-published so far (https://bit.ly/MLaJAF). The small amounts of money that have been raised from any sales has been used to buy books to donate to hospitals, schools, and GP surgeries. They would dearly love a publisher to help them spread their books to a wider audience and help other parents explain the complexity of the conditions and the treatments that they require to their children.

 

They have been so giving in wanting to help others, but sadly have not blessed with riches themselves. Any money raised would go towards making meaningful moments for the children whilst both Simon and Anita are still with us. Donations of any size will make a difference.

Note: Bouquet List - watch Season 3 Episode 3 of "One Day at a Time" where a character explains "It's an arrangement of all the beautiful things you still want to do."