Help Jim beat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Jim is a 30 year old top bloke. He’s a wonderful husband to Jo and a devoted father to Isla (19 months), Cameron (7 years) and George (11 years). He’s a respected teacher at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, a Master at College House Boarding Establishment, and a rugby coach and sports enthusiast. Jim is an extremely hard working, stoic and loyal person, who places other’s needs before his own.

On the 8th March 2017, Jim and his family’s world was turned upside down; with him being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. On top of this, Jim already battles Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Since Jim’s diagnosis of Leukemia, he has remained in hospital and is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. This initial phase of treatment has been particularly brutal and has resulted in numerous severe side-effects. The doctors have indicated that Jim’s treatment could span over two years.

Life as Jim and Jo knew it has changed drastically and the implications of this situation are many. Having Jim in hospital (and with impaired immunity) has meant that he has had limited contact with those special to him. Even when he is well enough to go home, he will need daily visits to the hospital for medication administration and blood tests. Jim has had to stop working (and is unsure when he will return), and while Jo is trying to do some relief teaching, she plans to help care for Jim and support the family on his return home.