Give and grow for DEBRA

Hi my name is James and I am a sports administrator by day and fitness coach by night. I am also remarkably hirsute.

I have teamed up with DEBRA New Zealand and for the last year I have gone without shaving to help raise money for people suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, or as it is more commonly known "EB".

Like many of you, I really didn't know much about the disease at all up until this time last year. The disease is characterized by blistering of the skin and the mucous membrane and it can severely inhibit the quality of life for those who suffer from it.

The big thing for me is that there is no cure for EB and for those who suffer it this means a lifelong commitment to treating the symptoms. The primary aim of any treatment is to protect the skin and stop blister formation, promote healing and prevent complications and this is often painful, time consuming and often requires expert help.

Given that EB can affect so many different parts of the body, a team of medical specialists is usually required for overall care. When necessary, treatment with oral and topical medications may be prescribed by your doctor to assist healing or prevent complications.

As much as I want to raise money to help people with medical care, I also really want to help raise awareness for the disease.

Please share this page with your friends and family across social media and help spread the awareness of EB.

James