Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS)
Lyme disease is an insidious disease caused by an infected tick bite. If undiagnosed for a long period of time it can become chronic, significantly impacting bodily systems and organs. Unfortunately its diagnosis is difficult as in its early stages its symptoms mimic many other illnesses.
Tahlia Smith of Morpeth is just 21 years of age and several years ago had the world at her feet with a promising career ahead of her in the performing arts. For almost 2 years her family took her to many doctors, who ran test after test to determine why she was so unwell. Finally one doctor thought to test for Lyme Disease and this beautiful young lady was finally diagnosed. While her diagnosis at first was a relief that at least they knew what they were dealing with, little did they realise the horrific journey they were about to
embark on.
Tahlia has for almost a month now been experiencing seizures every 1 to 2 hours. Each seizure lasts around 20 minutes and some as much as 40 minutes, night and day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As you can imagine this is taking its toll on her body so much so she presently cannot walk. Her doctor’s aim at present is to get these awful seizures under control so she can travel to Germany for specialised treatment, which she now desperately needs.
Unfortunately, treatment for Lyme Disease, is not funded by the Australian Government, even though at a chronic stage the symptoms are so cruel and visibly debilitating. It is currently costing Tahlia’s family a
fortune each week - doctor’s visits to Sydney twice a week, medication and impacting their ability to work/earn wages due to the amount of care and supervision Tahlia requires around the clock.
A fundraising event on Saturday 18 th July 2015 at Maitland City Bowling Club to raise money to help get Tahlia to Germany and fund her treatment. A huge desire from Tahlia’s family for this night is to also promote awareness about Lyme Disease. The evening is a sit down meal and band and will include a raffle, mystery balloon prizes and silent and live auction items.
Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS)
(a Public Benevolent Institution)
To provide financial & other relief for the family of 21 year old Tahlia who is suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease which causes frequent seizures. Her medications are expensive and not covered by the PBS.
