Ruby’s battle with SMAS

I’m Nikeesha, Ruby’s best friend.

As people that know her are aware, Ruby is the last person that wants to ask for help but her current situation means she can no longer deny it is needed.

At a time where we should be planning her 30th birthday celebration I’ve watched my best friend organise her will and power of attorney due to a rare illness that there is no clear path to recovery from.

In November of last year, after months of decreasing appetite and increasing pain, Ruby was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS). Since November, Ruby has been in and out of hospital for issues from her feeding tube which she relies on as she is unable to eat solid food. It was originally hoped the feeding tube would cure the SMAS but this has not been the case for Ruby who has continued to decline and she has been desperately searching across Australia for a doctor or team that can help.

In February, Ruby unexpectedly lost her job. Despite SMAS, prior to being terminated, she had continued to work every day except when she was in hospital. Given her health, she is currently unable to apply for new roles and this job loss was devastating as it provided a welcome distraction and sense of structure aside from SMAS. This also introduced a new stress for her around being able to afford continued medical care as well as everyday costs like rent and bills.

Costs for Ruby’s medical care are thousands of dollars per month and mostly have not been covered by Medicare or private health insurance. While we hope the NDIS will be able to help bridge that gap, the process to even apply is taking months and there is no timeline for when or if Ruby will be approved.

This fundraiser will be used to help Ruby cover:

- out of pocket medical expenses

- things to make her life easier (eg a cleaner)

- legal expenses

Please help make one part of this fight easier for Ruby so she can focus on recovery.