***Note: This video was produced as a gift to the Life4Lucie MS Fundraiser.***
Lucie Clark, is a 38 year old mother of Charlie aged 9 and Maizy aged 7 and married to Josh 40. They live in Freshwater, Sydney NSW. She is also a twin sister to Anna. Like most mums these days Lucie works 4 days a week to support her family.
Lucie is one of the kindest and most generous people you could ever meet.
Lucie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 10 years ago and is on the highest dose of medication to slow the MS but unfortunately it’s not strong enough to stop the lesions from growing in her brain.
Multiple Sclerosis occurs when the protective sheath around the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord becomes damaged, causing random patches called plaques or lesions. These patches distort and interrupt the messages that are sent along these nerves. This disease is aggressively taking over Lucie’s brain. It’s getting harder for her to cope every day and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
There is a treatment, Stem Cell Replacement Therapy, which Lucie can get to stop the progress of this disease and make an enormous difference to Lucie’s life.
In July 2014 Lucie was accepted into St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst for the Clinical Trial for the Stem Cell Transplantation. She will be the 10th person in St Vincent’s to receive this treatment.
Plans are in motion for Lucie to have the Stem Cell transplant during August 2014.
The stem cell transplant will use stem cells from Lucies blood or bone marrow. The aim of the transplant is to re-boot her immune system.
Lucie will be required to stay in hospital for over a month and will be off work for upto 6 months. Josh will be required to look after the kids and take time off work which will put financial pressure on the family.
It is going to cost up to $50,000 to cover the family whilst Lucie is receiving treatment and recovering.
So that’s where LIFE4LUCIE comes in. We, Lucies family and friends have come together to help support Lucie, Josh, Charlie and Maizy through this challenging time, as there is no need for them do it on their own.
We are now asking you to help us by getting involved any way you can.
There are so many things you can do to help.
AWARENESS IS THE KEY, so even if you can’t donate please spread the word.