Hi, We are Lauren and Laura. We are the loving nieces of Lionel, our devoted Uncle.

Unfortunately, in July 2022, our family was met with devastating news. In nonscientific words, pre-leukemia, our beautiful uncle has been diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplasia Syndrome).

MDS is a group of disorders caused when something disrupts the production of blood cells. It has been considered to be a form of cancer.

Lionel has been undergoing chemotherapy every two weeks for seven days.

Receiving blood transfusions 2-3 bags having platelets 1-2 loads a week

7th of October 2022, Lionel had to undergo another bone marrow test as his Spleen had become very painful. Later, we found that half of his Spleen had died & the rest had swollen due to his diagnosis, To which the family found out that Lionel's abnormal bone marrow cells had been destroyed, so he is now close to full leukemia. The chemotherapy has not worked. He has to undergo intensive Chemotherapy, with him staying in the hospital for a long time.

Lionel Phillips and the family are looking to take the path of stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant), to which he needs a bone marrow donor that matches him and his aboriginal heritage. He will be up in Brisbane for six months away from his family. Lionel is still waiting on his two brothers' bone marrow match results to see if they are compatible with his bone marrow. If they aren't a match, he must go on a world search with the aboriginal heritage.

Lionel can no longer do simple tasks, and he's unable to work. Lionel is bedridden in the hospital & chair ridden at home. Lionel has difficulty taking the transfusion without his body rejecting it & having an allergic reaction, and he has to take Phenergan & Steroids before transfusions.

With oceans, mountains, and roads that divide us, this is the only way we know that we can support our family. We hope to raise enough money to accommodate lionels wife and children to be close to their husband and father, During this uncertain time.

Funds raised will go towards daily needs and living costs with lionels duration in the hospital

having family near you during a tough time increases the percentage of survival.

We appreciate your love, kindness and support during this challenging time.

To our beautiful aboriginal families in Queensland and beyond, please contact your closest bone marrow donor center to help future aboriginal families.