It has been 5 weeks since we started AAMS, so much has happened in that time I thought I had better start blogging about our journey now.
If you didn’t know I started researching HSCT over 14mths ago and got the kick in the pants I needed to take the next step to get Aaron HSCT to HALT his MS in February when 60 Minutes aired ‘Russian Roulette’ Gold Coast Mum Kristy Cruise’s HSCT in Russia. Aaron and I watched the show in tears and within the following week I had contacted Kristy as well as her Doctor in Russia and Aaron was scheduled for HSCT with Dr Fedorenko in September.
In the first few weeks we completed all the paperwork necessary and opened bank accounts and had committee meetings. I built the website and am continually learning and developing it as I go! I created a Facebook Community Page and started gathering Likes. To date my Facebook posts have a 9.6K reach with over 725 likes on the page.
With the support of Benny & Cathy @ The Wots Den we have a variety of supporter apparel selling as well as a BBQ and a Show & Shine coming up!
I have been busy trying to promote and fundraise for AAMS in the media and throught the general public. We were lucky enough to appear on Channel Ten Morning Show Studio 10 – it was a lot of fun really and we met some amazing people including American Comedian & Actor, Patrick Bristow. Patrick was a delight to chat to and empathised as his Mother suffered with MS. The show proved there are some truly amazing people out there who are willing to give from their hearts! We had donations from $1 – $500 and messages from all over Australia!
I flew up to QLD in the first week of April and attended Kristy Cruise’s MS / HSCT Community Forum. Not only did I come away with valuable information I met so many wonderful people and got to spent some short quality one on one time with Kristy. She is one inspiring lady and I took away with me a stronger more passionate determination to achieve this for Aaron and for me and for Jake and for our family!
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. We have had some amazing donations from so many wonderful people! Channel Ten via Kings Cross Bikers donated $2,000; Chatswood RSL are supporting an event as well as donated $1,500; we have had many personal donations and will try to thanks each and every person as we reach our goal!
So, at a little over $14,000 raised we are 20% of the way towards the $70,000 we need – all this in 5 weeks!! I keep saying that it is not something I can do alone and there are some great individuals helping me out – you know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Next weekend is our first official event – our BBQ @ Wots Den. We would love to see as many of our family & friends that can make it for fabulous food and fun! https://www.facebook.com/events/239810719475952/
Until my next blog – thank you, please please please keep sharing, liking and commenting on the Facebook posts.
Always remember – it ain’t over till the redhead says it’s over!!
Aaron Attacks MS 