Hi everyone,

This is incredibly difficult for me to write, as asking for help has never come naturally to me. Those who know me know that I am usually the one trying to help others, and I never imagined I would find myself in this position.

In May, I suffered a mini stroke. During my hospital admission, doctors discovered a blood clot on my heart valve, which caused the stroke. This occurred as a complication of one of my autoimmune diseases, including Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APLS).

I also continue to battle MDA5 myositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, which, alongside my other complex health conditions, significantly impacts my day to day life. Unfortunately, after extensive discussions, my medical team and surgeons determined that surgery to replace my heart valve is not an option. Due to the severity of my lung disease, clotting disorder, and overall health, the risks of surgery are extraordinarily high, and there is a significant chance I would not survive the procedure. Even if I did, there is concern that a replacement valve would clot again causing death sooner. After carefully weighing all options, the decision was made to manage the clot medically and treat any future complications as they arise. Since then, I have unfortunately suffered additional mini strokes despite ongoing treatment.

My lung disease is already considered life limiting, and the addition of these recent cardiac and stroke complications has left me extremely unwell. At the moment, even simple tasks such as showering can be incredibly difficult and exhausting and often require assistance.

Since my lengthy hospital admission, I have faced ongoing specialist appointments, daily medical care, extensive testing, medication changes, and constant monitoring. My hospital team has advised that I cannot safely be left home alone and require significant support.

As a 28 year old mum of four, losing my independence has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Not being able to shower myself without assistance, care for my children the way I want to, or manage everyday tasks has been incredibly confronting and heartbreaking.

We are currently waiting for NDIS assistance to be approved and have submitted multiple letters from specialists and hospital teams requesting that the process be expedited due to the urgency of my situation. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, we are still waiting.

The financial impact on our family has been enormous. Matt has had to significantly reduce his work hours and take substantial time off to care for me and our four beautiful children. Between lost income, travel to appointments, hospital parking, medications, additional childcare, household assistance, and the many unexpected expenses that come with serious illness, we are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love being a mum, creating art, and working in my dream career as a tattoo apprentice. The hardest part of this journey has been losing my independence, losing precious time with my children, and being unable to contribute to my family in the ways I normally would.

If you are in a position to help, no matter how small the contribution, it would ease an incredible amount of stress for our family and allow us to focus on what matters most right now, my health, my family, and making the most of the precious time I have left with my four babies and the people I love.

Funds raised will help cover lost income while Matt cares for me, medical expenses, travel costs, medications, childcare, household support, and essential living expenses during this incredibly difficult time.

If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us and help us reach others who may be able to help.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story. Thank you for your kindness, your support, your prayers, and for standing beside us during one of the most difficult periods of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Michaela, Matt, Darcy, Ezra, Blaire & Emerson ❤️