Support James McRae

Almost 2.5 years ago friends, family and many others donated via a Go Fund Me to provide support to James. The complexity of the multiple health challenges faced by James have been profound and dramatically altered his life. He needs our support again.

Most of us like things to be simple. What James continues to endure is complex.

Those that know him well understand the fears he’s needed to overcome just to engage with the health service. He’s been extraordinary but the physical, emotional, and financial strain is very real.

His GP has certified he is unable to work for medical reasons. James’ financial hardship is real with government assistance limited and insufficient to cover the basics of daily life, let alone the private psychiatric assessments necessary to differentiate the effects of multiple traumatic events and developmental differences, so that an effective treatment plan and clinical psychology supports can be provided.

His physical health symptoms have specialists baffled and concerned. Over the past two years, his specialist medical care coordinated by his GP has involved Haematology, Thoracic, ENT, General Surgery, Colorectal, Gastroenterology, Clinical Psychology and Sleep Specialists necessitating more than:

- 20 blood tests

- 10 imaging studies (including CT scans across multiple body regions, MRI, and a recent PET scan)

- five invasive medical procedures

- five major surgical procedures since September last year, including one that resulted in a critical admission to intensive care.

Rare, complex inflammatory processes, involving multiple body systems his symptoms result in debilitating pain and fatigue, the procedures and surgical recoveries long and painful, affecting his capacity to work and daily life.

Despite extensive investigations and monitoring, specialists have been unable to provide a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

He’s waitlisted for further surgery and requires ongoing frequent hospital appointments and investigations.

Some have been frustrated and impatient with James’ health issues. It’s been long and arduous for James to navigate.

The financial impact is substantial and overwhelming for James. The journey isn’t over. He needs support to navigate this crisis.

The funds raised will help James cover the costs of a psychiatrist assessment and treatment plan (estimated at $1500++), out of pocket cost of psychologist consults ($250/session), dentist, medications, and addressing the financial hardship that has resulted from navigating a health crisis for more than 2 years and falling behind because government support barely covers the minimum of rent ($880) and groceries ($600) but not the realities of life right now.

He has faced into these challenges, with courage and determination. He needs support right now.