In February 2025, our gorgeous Mum, Linden, was diagnosed with High-Risk MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes), a form of blood cancer. While chemotherapy would assist in reducing the cancer cells, Mum had a mutation that would ensure that the cancer would come back over time. Mum began chemotherapy right away to slow down the cancer's progression, and now, Mum's only shot at a cure is a Stem Cell Transplant. 

Heading down the path of a Stem Cell Transplant as a patient, and a carer, is scary, to say the least. There are many risks involved and the road to recovery is long, but for patients, it is their only chance to overcome their disease. 

Our family is learning, just how many amazing people are involved in this transplant journey. To name a few, Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Vollunteer Supporters, Transplant Coordinators, Charity Groups and of course, the stem cell donors. 

Although we are lucky enough to live in a country that provides health care as a basic right, there are other financial impacts of cancer treatment that are often overlooked. The transplant journey will be a minimum of 110 days at Westmead Hospital in Sydney (three hours from where we live). Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation provides financial support to families who are undergoing this treatment, which allows them to live at the hospital to receive this life saving transplant. Without the foundations support, there would be regional families that simply could not afford to commit to transplant. Fighting a battle with cancer is hard enough, you shouldn't have to worry about money. 

With all that said, we kindly ask that if you are able, to please donate some spare change to Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation, to support their ongoing efforts to assist transplant receipients and their families during their journies to recovery.  

Also, on Wednesday 10th of September, we will be wearing red to show support for Mum, as well as for Blood Cancer Awareness Month. We would love you to do the same and please share pictures with us! Please tag #paintthetownred #bloodcancerawarenessmonth @arrow_bone_marrow_foundation if you are posting to socials! 

Thank you so much for your suppport. Please keep Mum, and all those going through trasplant in your thoughts. 

Love Demi & Kayle.