Keeping Miles afloat while they work on treatment for his NMO, a rare form of MS.

$2,258 donated

Given by 21 generous donors in over a year

Spare a few bucks so that Miles doesn't have to worry about paying his rent or his phone bill while fighting this rare form of MS...

Nationwide

Hello friends of Miles...

Many of you may know that Miles hasn't been well of late, but perhaps you weren't aware of the severity. Last fall, Miles was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis optica or NMO... a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis.

NMO, also known as Devic's disease or Devic's syndrome, is currently an incurable but treatable autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, most commonly in the optic nerves and spinal cord. It can cause temporary or permanent blindness and/or paralysis, and may have periods of remission and relapse. So yeah...

After months of back and spinal pain and several inconclusive biopsies, I'm sure it was a relief to find out what was actually ailing him. But also the bittersweet knowledge that he is the first recorded case in New Zealand, so the treatment plan is still in development many months later.

He is recovering at home now, but is on constant pain, and is on heavy medication, which doesn't sound heavy enough to me. The latest report suggests that he has or is near to losing the use of his legs, so he can no longer drive himself around. Which is probably safer for NZ drivers come to think of it...

So now, here is Miles - a doting father of two young boys that make him smile that huge infectious Miles smile we all know so well, a smile that they have inherited themselves btw - but here is Miles, stuck at home, unsure of his future, can't get himself around town, in constant pain, AND can't work so finds himself struggling just to keep up with expenses, rent, food and make ends meet.

So please, if you're a friend of Miles, share this and use this Funding Page to spare a few bucks so the man doesn't have to worry about paying his rent or his phone bill for the next few months... especially while he's waiting to find out what this crazy illness is doing to him, and how he's going to keep smiling in the future... Let him worry about bigger things.

All the best Miles - Love you chum.

Neil Fleming's involvement (page creator)

Because it's Miles. And it's so easy to do this for him.

Use of funds

While Miles is walking again, his motor skills and pain don't allow him to work. The medication he's on actually lowers his immune system's effectiveness so that it doesn't affect his healthy cells - but instead, he gets sick ALL THE TIME. So he's at home, unable to work. Funds will go to rent, bills, utilities, share of child support for his two boys, and Netflix.