Help Gaelene to Save Her Eyesight

I am so proud of my sister for starting this give-a-little page - she has only done this with my encouragement because she has never asked for help but this time she absolutely needs it! I love her with all my heart and have never been able to ease her pain. She lives a humble life and finds this a very emotional pathway, I just know she will burst into tears with the very first donation! The best way to tell her story is to let her do it herself.

Hi I'm Gaelene, at 6 month of age my story began. That was when I developed chronic childhood eczema and asthma which continues to haunt me today. I also have a blog called 'My Freaky Eczema Journey at: https://blogjoylene.blogspot.com This is the best way to bring you up to speed about those earlier years of my life, but during that time I was put on many pharmaceutical drugs including Steroids. At the age of 8 Prednisone and then during my teenage years I was injected with Synacthen Depot every week for 2 years. To my dismay, this resulted in infertility so I have been unable to have children, I have had the pleasure of being a nanny to 3 beautiful children though during my lifetime, they are all still a part of my life today. I have lost all of my hair twice due to Alopecia Universalis, the second time in 1993 I never got it back (that's in my blog too)!

Well now I have a new crisis and an even bigger challenge to face - my eyesight is deteriorating rapidly. Five years ago I had Cataracts removed from both my eyes, these were a side effect from long term use of Cortisone Steroids. Now, I have a rare corneal disease in both my eyes called Pellucid Marginal Degeneration. My glasses have been upgraded five times in four years and now they don't work anymore and I'm in need of specialist ones. The condition is rare and I will require surgery to restore my eyesight- Oh trust me I don't do things by halves! I am afraid of losing my sight for so many reasons, it feels like my life is at stake. I'm only 57 years old and love working as a part-time Health Care Assistant in the aged-care industry for the last 9 years. I do this because I genuinely love it and find pleasure in upholding the elderly's dignity at the end stage of life.

It's rather daunting to think my life long skin condition and confused immune system are the precursor of this eye disease. I find myself rather emotional and humbled as I ask for financial help. The dream of being able to by-pass the public health system and fast track any treatments I need privately or to cover costs of specialist glasses, travel, time off work etc. These are my priorities. I will be sure to keep you updated with my journey as it unfolds.

Much love and hugs

Gaelene