JAYLENE Reynolds hopes to do more fundraising in the new year to help her return to Malaysia for further treatment.
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The 26-year-old has been living with Multiple-Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome (MSIDS) for more than a decade.
With symptoms such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain and seizures, MSIDS has claimed Ms Reynolds’ ability to enjoy life.
This year she has took great steps towards a better life thanks in large part to two trips to Malaysia for Hyperthermia treatment.
At around $15,000 a trip, they were made possible with Bathurst’s support at a benefit concert held in November 2017, as well as other small fundraisers.
“The benefit concert was a huge help to accommodating some of the cost to go overseas,” Ms Reynolds said.
“And the results from the Hyperthermia are better than we could have hoped.
“It has worked well to fight off my main infection (Neuroborreliosis) and in the last few months I have been working hard at fighting off my co-infections.”
She is now undergoing further treatment in Australia, but it comes at a significant cost for her and her family, as it is not covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“My current treatment plan is long-term antibiotics at an extreme strength,” Ms Reynolds’ explained.
“My drop foot has improved and I’ve been focusing on overcoming remaining symptoms such as neuropathic pain and fatigue.
“Although my treatment in Malaysia has shown huge improvements, my body is healing from the 15 years it has been fighting the multi-systemic infection.
“My body is exhausted and the ongoing treatment of the co-infections can be draining but the results are promising.”
Her hope is to go to Malaysia for a third round of Hyperthermia after her body has had more time to recover.
The trip will be expensive, but it it hoped that the community will once again show some support.
“It is difficult to make plans for treatment moving forward because the cost is so very demanding,” Ms Reynolds said.
“I do hope to do some more fundraising soon to support further treatment.”
Has Jaylene’s story inspired you? You can help by donating to her GoFundMe page or direct depositing a donation to her account at Reliance Bank. All funds go to paying for her Hyperthermia treatment, which comes at a cost of around $15,000 per session.
- BSB: 882-000
- Account Number: 100117729