Hi, our names are Keely and Micah, and we are fundraising for Micah’s little sister, Rebekah, and her family.

On the 12th of January, Rebekah began showing significant personality changes and behavioural abnormalities. Her sister Hannah took her to Bathurst Hospital, hoping to find answers for the sudden change. Unfortunately, the hospital did not identify any major concerns at the time and believed it may have been due to a lack of sleep.

Over the next few days, her symptoms worsened, leading Karen (her mum) to take leave from work to support her two daughters. This was an incredibly difficult and confusing time for Rebekah and her family of 10, as they had no idea what could be causing such drastic changes in an otherwise healthy 18-year-old girl.

When there was still no improvement, doctors performed a lumbar puncture and discovered she had encephalitis. By the end of that week, Rebekah had become completely unresponsive and was experiencing multiple seizures. Her family rallied around her, with one sibling flying all the way from Queensland just to sit by her side.

The nurses at Bathurst Hospital recognised that Rebekah needed more specialised care than they could provide and called a medical emergency. On the 20th of January, she was admitted to ICU, heavily sedated, and placed on a ventilator. Two hours later, she was airlifted to RPA Hospital for further treatment.

At this time, Karen and Alex (her dad) had to book an Airbnb close to the hospital so they could remain near their youngest child. They have never once complained about the financial strain and their sole focus has been supporting Rebekah. At RPA, doctors discovered she is suffering from autoimmune encephalitis, meaning her immune system is attacking her brain and causing seizures.

It has now been three weeks since her family has heard her voice. Rebekah is deeply loved by her big family, and watching their bubbly younger sister change so dramatically has been absolutely heartbreaking.

Doctors have advised that her condition will require ongoing, intensive care and that her recovery could take months. She has already undergone keyhole surgery and has recently developed a staph infection, which has delayed increasing her immunosuppressant treatment.

We are now turning to our community for support. These funds will help cover the ongoing medical and living expenses during this incredibly challenging time. Karen has had to take leave without pay, and the family has already used a significant portion of their savings.

Throughout this entire journey, the family has remained humble, strong, and full of faith. If you are in a position to give (no matter how small) it would be so deeply appreciated. Please help us support this beautiful young girl who has so much more life to live.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts xx