Steve needs brain surgery to fight his Parkinsons!
We are raising money to pay for Steve's brain surgery to fight his Parkinsons disease and improve his quality of life
Nationwide
Hi all,
Our brother Steve was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons disease just over 3 years ago at age 37.
Steve now meets the criteria to undergo an amazing surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or the implanting of a brain pacemaker which will help alleviate the symptoms of the disease and side effects of the medication he takes. These include headaches, loss of concentration, and involuntary movements (dyskinesia) to name a few.
The surgery will improve Steve's quality of life considerably and allow him to extend his working life to continue to provide for his family including his 2 beautiful children, Jessie (4) and Emily (2).
Steve only recently made the courageous decision to undergo the surgery and has been fortunate enough to be accepted on the program. He is now booked in for the operation on Nov 13th which will be undertaken by Neurological experts, Dr. Terry Coyne and Professor Peter Silburn, in Brisbane.
The total cost for the surgery will be in excess of AUD $120,000 including the pacemaker which itself costs about AUD $70,000. Fortunately, the bulk of the surgery and related costs will be covered by Medicare (Govt) and private health insurance, however the current estimated shortfall is AUD $22,764.92 (or c. NZD $26,000).
Your generosity is therefore extremely welcomed and the more we can raise the better. Hopefully we can reach our target and remove this financial burden so Steve and his family can focus on the surgery and getting back on with life.
For more information on the surgery itself and Parkinsons disease please visit the following websites:
www.youtube.com (search for Deep Brain Stimulation)
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Love you brother! Let's get fundraising!
Latest update
Update for 20/11/2014 20 November 2014
I would like to take this opportunity to thank two wonderful people who operated on my son Steve at St Andrews hospital in Brisbane on the 13th November. Dr Terry Coyne and Professor Peter Silburn - you and your team at St Andrews, have to be so very proud of yourselves for the amazingly successful operation which has given my darling son an opportunity to live a more normal life. You are truly wonderful and talented people and myself and my family will be eternally grateful for the care you took with Stevie. We will never be able to thank you enough! Kindest Regards, Jan Smith, Tauranga, New Zealand
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