The Mills Sisters

Both Leanna (26) and Bethany Mills (24) have suffered with the symptoms of Primary Dystonia, Geralised Dystonia and Parkinsons disease every day of their lives since 1999.  Both girls were born perfectly healthy and met all of their early milestones. Both girls contracted a fever within a few days of each other resulting in both developing dystonic posturing.

"Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when not in use does not function properly. Opposing muscles often contract simultaneously as if they are competing for control of a body part. The involuntary muscle contractions forces the body into repetitive and often twisting movements, as well as awkward, irregular postures. There are approximately thirteen forms of dystonia, and dozens of diseases and conditions that include dystonia as a major symptom."

Both Leanna and Bethany were taken to France in 2005 to have a Deep Brain Stimulus implanted. The DBS produces electrical pulses to reduce the twisting and contortion of the muscles. However, Dystonia remains incurable and unpredictable. 

Current medical costs include physio,  occupational therapy (OT), various  medications, regular trips to GP's and Sydney based specialists, as well  as a $5500. Unfortunately, only a small amount of physio and OT hours are funded for the girls, the remainder of these medical costs must be made up by the family. 

The Mills family also have two other daughters, Olivia (20) and Katie (27) both living with severe mental illness. 

These costs are lifelong  and forever increasing, and the Mills family are struggling to keep up.  Any contribution to these costs will be greatly appreciated.