tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76933775735605906422024-03-13T20:18:21.446-07:00Hope Love LiveHope Love Live - HSCT A Mother's mission to halt her MSHope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-44293350002671328212016-07-01T12:05:00.000-07:002016-07-01T12:05:48.647-07:00Milestones . . . <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you think of milestones in life, I had never imaged factoring in one of those being getting through HSCT treatment in a Russian hospital. But here I sit in my hospital room on the other side of the world and feel that this is one of the best milestones I have to concur!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past couple of days I have had a number of tests and I was given the fantastic news today by Dr Fedorenko that I had the all clear to start treatment. I will be posting on my FaceBook page my day to day treatment. My FaceBook name is Megan Rundback HopeLoveLive and my page is ‘Hope Love Live - HSCT - A mother's mission to halt her MS’. Please join if you would like to follow my story more closely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have already seen some remarkable improvements with some other people that are nearing the end of their treatment. A common question is “What do you feel has improved so far?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />To help me answer this question post treatment and be able to benchmark my symptoms, I thought I would share the list below to see after following treatment do any of my symptoms improve. Please note that the HSCT treatment is designed to halt MS and any improvements are a bonus. </span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Symptoms June 2016</span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong>My legs are very sore and painful</li>
<li>I can not walk or stand for any length of time</li>
<li>Constant headaches</li>
<li>Bladder urgency issues</li>
<li>Constant sore throat and feel like there is lump in my throat</li>
<li>At night my legs need to move – like restless leg syndrome </li>
<li>Heat intolerance</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Itchy legs and a feeling as if bugs are crawling all over you</li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>How am I feeling the night before treatment?</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just know this is something that I have to do if I am going to have any quality of life for the future. I usually go into auto pilot mode and have an attitude of ‘let’s just do it’! So that’s the attitude I am trying to have . . . I am a little nervous, but all the messages of support and the simple hellos are really helping me through x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Hope. Love. Live.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong>Megan x</span><br />
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Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-7522094887774488982016-05-21T01:03:00.000-07:002016-05-21T01:03:49.459-07:00My chemo hat purchase . . . <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C7lVl_J87o/V0AUJR7yThI/AAAAAAAAAjU/O6lxEe__79QML9xinTS1AOuggrPvMCrjQCLcB/s1600/Chemo%2Bhats%2Bpics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C7lVl_J87o/V0AUJR7yThI/AAAAAAAAAjU/O6lxEe__79QML9xinTS1AOuggrPvMCrjQCLcB/s320/Chemo%2Bhats%2Bpics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Well, I know
things are getting closer to my treatment date when my aim is to go shopping to
purchase my first chemo hat. It was one of those purchases that you just know
you need to do, but at the same time wanting to put off the inevitable – losing
all my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The date is
booked in my calendar to have my hair shaved off prior to flying, so I can donate
my hair for wig making for others in need. Due to the upcoming chemotherapy I
will lose my hair, so why not donate it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I am actually
feeling ok about it. I think it will be liberating and prepare me for my
upcoming treatment to also halt my MS, a loss which I am happy to make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Through all the
support of my friends, family and community – I can do this! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The countdown
continues . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It is 38 days
until I fly out to Russia and although I will be leaving Australia on my own, I
know I will never be alone as such. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I am also very
lucky to have a very kind friend Jacqui, who will be coming over to join me
mid-treatment and care for me on the flight home. This is such a selfless thing
for her to leave her husband and 3 young children and I thank her so much for
this sacrifice she is making for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Paying it
forward . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Following my own
chemo hat purchase, this week I received a package in the post from America. It
was from a lovely lady called Cathy with a note – "sharing the love and paying
it forward. Good luck with your treatment". The package contained over 10 chemo
hats of all different colours and styles! Now I am prepared and there is no holding
me back.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">In signing off,
thank you to all for the great support at the recent benefit night! We have now
raised $68K of the $80K required to cover the cost of flights and treatment and
we are so overwhelmed for all this support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Forever grateful
. . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Hope. Love. Live. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Megan x</span></b></div>
Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-13760885563651951482016-04-14T00:39:00.000-07:002016-04-14T00:50:44.326-07:00It’s all in a name . . . <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPKIUjq_E_4/Vw7r3lW-zRI/AAAAAAAAAZc/-auavrRk0-EHqK64NpygvEl1oCToKz7bwCLcB/s1600/Brainstorm%2Bblog%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPKIUjq_E_4/Vw7r3lW-zRI/AAAAAAAAAZc/-auavrRk0-EHqK64NpygvEl1oCToKz7bwCLcB/s320/Brainstorm%2Bblog%2Bpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Sometimes you
look at a name of a company and you know exactly what they are all about. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like ‘Jim’s Mowing’ or ‘Michelle’s Patisserie’.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">On a sunny
afternoon as I walked through the local Kiama Farmers Market, I was
brainstorming while looking at the beautiful local produce, trying to come up
with a name for my fundraising campaign. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I was coming
up with words that meant something . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Hope</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> – I have hope that the journey that I am embarking upon
gives our family ‘hope’ of a better future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Love</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> – I know it will be hard, but I have the love of my
family, my friends and a love for life that will give me strength as I
undertake this lifesaving treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Live </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">– Bottom line – I want to live!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We worked on
branding Hope. Love. Live. with a logo and coming up with a blog and website
page to help share my experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In ways Hope.
Love. Live. has taken on a life of its own. But it is not a business or a well-oiled
machine. It is a mother who is doing her very best to get the treatment she
needs to be there for my girls (and hubbie) </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The benefit
night on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14 May 2016</b> is our last big
fundraising event to help us with the costs for receiving this HSCT treatment.
So now I am reaching out for people to book ASAP at <a href="http://www.trybooking.com/KUDK" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.trybooking.com/KUDK</span></a> as I need
your help to fill the seats to help me make this night a success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We have some
fantastic auction items we will be sharing on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope-Love-Live-HSCT-A-mothers-mission-to-halt-her-MS-826534747364320/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FacebookPage</span></a> in the coming days, so keep your eyes open and maybe get your
passports ready! We also have an online donation campaign to help us get to our
goal of $80K. To donate please visit <a href="http://www.chuffed.org/project/hopelovelive2016" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.chuffed.org/project/hopelovelive2016</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I fly out to
Russia <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on 26 June 2016</b> and I am pleased
to say with the help of many, we have raised <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$39,887K</b> and I am humbled by the generosity of so many people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">What would
your name be to sum up your goal for the year? Next year I am planning on mine
being ‘Happily ever after’ </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Hope. Love. Live.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Megan x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">PS: Look
forward to seeing you at the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Benefit
Night on 14 May</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2016</b> at The
Central Hotel Function Centre at Shellharbour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-70382958946810001872016-03-22T22:35:00.001-07:002016-03-23T00:13:41.438-07:00It's arrived . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My ‘to do list’ has been long, short and then long again. I am sure many people would be familiar with the feeling when your list covers a number of pages, but recently I went about simplifying my list. I thought, what do I really need to do to enable me to undergo my upcoming medical treatment? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This list came down to the following areas/buckets:-<br />• Apply for new passport<br />• Confirm flights<br />• Apply for Russian visa<br />• Arrange travel insurance<br />• Book Accommodation for a couple of nights prior to treatment<br />• Confirm Neurologist appointment<br />• Fundraise - Organise ‘Megan’s Benefit Night’ – 14 May 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now obviously there are a number of actions that eventuate from each of these areas . . . The Neurologist is located in Canberra – organise visit . . . upcoming major fundraising event - ‘Megan’s Benefit Night’ . . . well let’s just say that list is growing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I sat here today feeling a little overwhelmed by this new ‘simplified’ list that has started to grow before my eyes, I hear a knock at the door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s arrived! I received my new passport and I am pleased to say I can now remove a key item from my list. I just keep thinking bit by bit, we will get through this and this time next year . . . well I just can’t wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I work on ticking off other items, I want to thank you in advance for all your continued support. My next priority item is to send out the invite for <strong>‘Megan’s Benefit Night’ to be held on 14 May 2016</strong>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the support of my fundraising committee members, we have some fantastic auction items and prizes being arranged. As a hint . . . maybe you might need to get your passport ready so you can bid on a major auction item on the night, thanks to Hawaiian Airlines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The invite will be out very soon. Please share and book early to help us with our preparations for this fun filled event! If you have something you think you can donate for the night, please email me at </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">www.hopelovelive2016@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have had great satisfaction in simplifying my list. If you stop and think, how much can you simplify yours?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Hope. Love. Live.</strong><br />Megan x</span>Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-3875284807787666712016-02-23T11:27:00.000-08:002016-02-23T11:27:52.064-08:00My two little words . . . <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p>I am sure many people have special words that mean so much, whether between friends, family or a word with meaning from a film like ‘Ditto’ from the movie ghost.</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p><br />I am sure many know of the phrase ‘Actions speak louder than words’. For those close to me in distance, you would have received the heartfelt hug. For those that have sent me messages, you hopefully have received a reply!</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p>But my actions can not be big enough to represent the words that I want to have more context than just letters on this page. My two little words that are so important to me are ‘THANK YOU!’.</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thank my friends that are on my Fundraising Committee that have helped with events, raffles and Surf Club BBQs. I thank the support of the local community and the local media that have shared my story. I thank friends and family who have shared and not just liked my FaceBook page to try and get my message out there. I thank the friends of friends and the strangers I don’t even know . . . and I thank my wonderful husband Jonas and my girls x</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Other words that come to mind are grateful, blessed, humbled, overwhelmed, happy, tearful, lost, scared, tired . . . My travel date to Russia is fast approaching (26 June 2016) and these mix of words represent how I am feeling right now. </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I’ve had a few people ask ways in which you can help, support and fundraise which we are so grateful for. With the treatment alone costing $45KUS dollars, we have a crazy target to meet and we need all the help we can get! </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So IF anyone is keen, it does not need to be big, I have some suggestions!</span></o:p></span></div>
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Morning/high tea at home or work</div>
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Organise a red clothing day at work (official MS colour!)</div>
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Get all your friends to donate unwanted items and hold a garage sale</div>
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Crazy hair day at work</div>
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Girls night in/dinner party</div>
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Bare foot bowls day</div>
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Golf day</div>
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Even a donation tin at work!</div>
</li>
</span></span></ul>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It all adds up, makes a massive difference and we would be eternally grateful!</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Any other suggestions are welcomed and you can email me via <a href="mailto:hopelovelive2016@gmail.com" target="_blank"><strong>hopelovelive2016@gmail.com</strong></a> if you would like any advice or some posters done for your fundraising event.</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The good news is that donations and activities have now reached just over A$32K! So a big THANK YOU to all that has made this happen!</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Our next big bang fundraiser event is in the process of being organised. There will be dinner, live music, auction items, red balloon donations and loads of fun to be had. Please save the date <strong>Saturday 14 May 2016</strong> in your calendar! The event will take place in the Kiama region, so for those living afar, we are trying to work on accommodation deals so you can come and visit and enjoy the weekend! More details to come via our Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope-Love-Live-HSCT-A-mothers-mission-to-halt-her-MS-826534747364320/" target="_blank"><strong>‘Hope Love Live - HSCT - A mother's mission to halt her MS’</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Send me a message . . . add a comment . . . say hello . . . share your ideas – this is really emotionally rewarding, but also really hard at times and it is nice to know people are out there.</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p><strong>Hope. Love. Live.</strong></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p>Megan x</o:p></span>Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-2581391573279725402016-01-28T00:59:00.001-08:002016-01-28T00:59:38.906-08:00WIN News Story<div id="fb-root">
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<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/WINNewsIllawarra/videos/vb.220709751279109/1268613993155341/?type=3">
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<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsIllawarra/videos/1268613993155341/">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A South Coast mother is facing the battle of her life, hoping to get to Russia for potentially life-changing multiple sclerosis treatment. It's a race against the clock, with more than sixty thousand (60,000) dollars needing to be raised by June, to get her there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Posted by </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsIllawarra/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WIN News Illawarra</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> on Thursday, January 28, 2016</span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-19077357474864016592016-01-11T03:20:00.001-08:002016-01-11T03:20:35.886-08:00Balance . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfaUAts_ytk/VpOMwrSsNGI/AAAAAAAAASc/L_XEOnmC3-o/s1600/Balance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfaUAts_ytk/VpOMwrSsNGI/AAAAAAAAASc/L_XEOnmC3-o/s320/Balance.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balance . . .<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
In life you need balance . . . when I shared my story of the
lifesaving treatment that I need to halt my MS, I did not realise how important
balance was going to be.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first blogged in November 2015 and it has taken me until
now to breathe a little and write my next post. In this time I was trying to do
everything and anything to thank, promote and advertise my New Year’s Eve fundraising
event and my Hope. Love. Live. website. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Due to what I now know as a lack of balance, I became unwell
with a constant cold and became really run down. My legs started to not be as
strong and walking became challenging. My balance in my thoughts . . . was I
posting too much, not enough, had I thanked everyone, had I missed anyone . . .
I am pleased to report that my legs have become stronger again, so hopefully
the MS episode is improving. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My priority now is to get the balance right. So if I post
too much, not enough, miss a thank you – please know that I am doing my best to
get the balance right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
In the first weeks I worked with my fantastic fundraising
committee and we organised my New Year’s Eve fundraising event. I want to thank
everyone who attended and the wonderful people that made the night a success.
We raised $2,321 and I am pleased to say since my fundraising efforts began, we
have now raised $8928. This money will cover my flights and we are on our way
to raising the US$45K (A$66K) required to cover the medical treatment.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what’s next?<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
We are running a Thermomix TM5 raffle and I encourage you to
buy and share my post from my Facebook page “Hope Love Live - HSCT - A mother's
mission to halt her MS”. I really need help with selling the tickets. You can
find all the details on my website </span><a href="http://www.hopelovelive.com.au/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.hopelovelive.com.au</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
or go to </span><a href="http://www.trybooking.com/JYCC"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.trybooking.com/JYCC</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
to purchase your tickets now!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am now on a countdown to my wrist surgery on 22 January
2016. Back to no eating, dressing and driving for myself. I want to thank my
wonderful husband for picking up the pieces. Some people ask how do you get
through . . . trying to stay as positive and ‘normal’ as possible is my coping
mechanism. Thanks to all around who allow me to achieve this, as without you,
none of this would be possible!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lesson for 2016 is to have balance. Is there somewhere
you can stop, breathe and assess to see where balance in life will help you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Hope. Love. Live.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan x<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">PS: Thanks to all for your kind donations and support! Very much appreciated.</span></o:p></div>
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<br />Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693377573560590642.post-77594021660092172672015-11-02T02:22:00.000-08:002015-11-02T17:57:43.692-08:00Welcome<script>
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<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6zMmr692M4/VjXllntJ29I/AAAAAAAAAPg/lypjaRmcM1k/s1600/img_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6zMmr692M4/VjXllntJ29I/AAAAAAAAAPg/lypjaRmcM1k/s400/img_2693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, I'm glad you're here. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, you are reading this blog because you are one of my family, friends, friend of a friend or a person I am yet to meet. You may be a person with multiple sclerosis or someone that has an interest in HSCT. Whoever you are, you’ve come here because you chose to.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/143693783?color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the years I have sheltered many from my struggles with MS as I want to be known as ‘Megan’, not the girl that has MS. As my life changing HSCT journey begins, I promise to peel back the layers and be open, vulnerable and as honest as possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope this blog will be an emotional release for me as I go on this journey, but also a way to share my journey with others.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's this blog all about anyway? <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully you've taken the time to watch the short video on this page... (quick, watch it now!).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok, so now you know that I have multiple sclerosis and have been accepted for HSCT (Haematopoietic Stem Cell Treatment) in Russia, where I will be under the care of Dr Denis Fedorenko at the A.A.Maximov Hematology and Cell Therapy Department of the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Centre. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This treatment has an 80% success rate of stopping MS in its tracks and HALTING further progression. It is expensive (approx US$45,000) and comes with risks and a long recovery period after treatment. This treatment is not radical or experimental, just relatively new to the MS world. Dr Fedorenko has performed this treatment on 100s of patients with autoimmune diseases over the last few years. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to pioneers, like Kristy Cruise, HSCT has been exposed to those living with this unpredictable and progressive disease as an alternative treatment to the current disease modifying drugs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been on three disease modifying drugs and they are no longer working for me. HSCT is my hope for a better future with my husband and three beautiful children. I believe it is my right to seek and receive the best medical treatment available. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HSCT treatment is done in a number of countries and there are many Aussies heading to Russia, Singapore, Mexico, Germany and the USA. The cost varies depending on length of treatment and country, but all are expensive and out of many peoples reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Like many Aussies before me, I will need to fundraise as much as possible to pay for this treatment.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do I want to do this . . . I have little choice if I want to try and stay as well as I can for my family and the future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My aim is to halt the progression of my MS and to do that I need to go on this journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm on a mission. It'll be tough. It'll require sacrifice. It will test my strength and faith. I will learn from it and grow closer to the person I desire to become.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope. Love. Live. – HSCT - A mother’s mission to halt her MS - This is the name I have chosen for my journey, blog and Facebook page. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank You for taking the time to read my story.</span><o:p></o:p></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope you visit again soon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Hope. Love. Live.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Megan x</strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span>Hope Love Livehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752451956320223550noreply@blogger.com4