Lachie's Kidney Transplant Fundraiser

Hi, My name is Bridget and I am raising money for my big brother Lachie White. As some of you may know, he was diagnosed in January 2021 with an autoimmune disease called MPO ANCA Vasculitis which targeted and damaged his kidneys.

Through his specialist care at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, he started to treat the ANCA Vasculitis with 2 rounds of rituximab infusion and after four months he was in semi-remission. He then started Cyclophosphamide infusions 3 times a week (10 rounds in total). Following this treatment, remission still was not reached so he was prescribed a tablet form of immunosuppression for maintenance therapy.

Despite the intensive and physically demanding treatment, the scarring to both of his kidneys from the autoimmune disease was too severe and irreversible, and devastatingly he was diagnosed with renal failure in December 2022. He is currently undergoing Dialysis 3 times a week at Nambour Hospital.

Due to the symptoms of the disease and renal failure, the physical nature of his work, and by instruction from his doctor, Lachie has been unable to work in his trade of Stonemasonry since October 2022. He is currently waiting on Centrelink and Superannuation Insurance, none of which are guaranteed to have successful claims. Nickie and Lachie have been friends since high school and have been married for 9 years, with 2 awesome kids Lily-mae (10) and Otis (8). They share a love for live music, travel and new adventures! These legends are a close and loving family unit who have been supporting each other through this trying time. Nickie is currently working part-time and supporting Lachie and the kids financially.

Lachie is currently awaiting a kidney transplant, where the waiting list for a deceased donor list may be up to 5 years, and for live donors a shorter timeframe if a match is found. He is currently going through the process of testing for live donors with family and friends who have offered, which may take 6-12 months to process. When a transplant is available the surgery will take place at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, which is 110km from his family home on the Sunshine Coast.

We are currently fundraising to cover medical costs, accommodation and loss of income whilst Lachie is awaiting and undergoing a kidney transplant. We know times are tricky at the moment, but any donations or spreading the word of this gofundme page would be so very much appreciated by Lachie and his family.

Any funds raised will go towards:

• 6-8 weeks accommodation for Lachie next door to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for the transplant surgery and afterwards.

• Food and supplies whilst living away from home.

• Loss of income for Nickie (4-8 weeks) when she is caring for Lachie in Brisbane during the surgery and recovery period, and whilst the extended family care for the children at the family home on the Sunshine Coast.

• Anti-rejection medications following the surgery that he will need to take for the rest of his life, starting at $400-500 a month.

Thank you so much for taking the time in reading Lachie’s story. We really appreciate your thoughts and support!