I am hoping to raise medical funds for my sister Carol and her husband Jeff. Those who know Carol, Jeff and their children Sam & Indiana know they all have hearts of gold and are the first to put their hands up to help others. Carol comes across as a happy and bubbly lady - but she has been living behind a mask. She has been suffering in silent with various medical conditions for some years now. Carol's conditions vary from multiple bowel inflammation diseases, vascular diseases, neurological conditions to name a few. We were told we nearly lost her when she underwent emergency bowel surgery where she ended up in an induced coma and spend days in the Gladstone HDU where she had collapsed lungs and went into renal failure.... SCARY STUFF. And this was just the start. Last week, Tuesday 7th February she was flown to Brisbane via the Royal Flying Doctors Service. She is currently getting treatment at the Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital. Carol and Jeff have private insurance but sadly the health insurance doesn't cover the all the specialised treatment & tests she requires on a daily bases. For example her PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) cost $500 and is not cover by their health insurance, nor are various scans and daily pathology tests she requires. The PICC line is a thin, soft plastic tube, like an intravenous (IV) line that allows her to receive medicines and special protein fluids directly into her bloodstream; because at this stage she is unable to use her digestive system. The priority of the specialists at the moment is too get Carol stronger with the hope she will become strong enough for more surgeries in the near future. Even with health insurance, the medical bills alone are becoming a financial burden to this amazing family. And the last thing they need to worry about is money. Jeff has had to take extended time off work to be with Carol. The medical bills are starting to build up. She has a neuro-stimulator implant fitted on her spine, she suffers daily with chronic neuropathic nerve pain. She has suffered with many gynaecological conditions over the years and she has had multiple pelvic organ prolapses. She has had osteomyelitis which a bone infections. Shocking I know and she is only 45 years old. A lot of Carol's treatment is not available in her home town of Gladstone nor through the public health system. Carol has always had to travel to her ongoing specialist appointments. At one stage there she was traveling at least once a month to Brisbane. Carol was to the point of having to prioritise her treatments mostly due to financial reasons. But unfortunately her prioritising has come to an end..... Carol treatment can not longer be prioritised... She is too unwell. They have a wonderful support group of family and friends that are helping out with their beautiful 9 year old daughter who is nearly 600km away from her parents. She missing her mummy and daddy and really doesn't have any idea how sick her mummy is - and that is now Jeff & Carol wishes it to stay! Carol and Jeff has always provide for their family and have NEVER asked others for help even though Carol medical expenses on daily bases have been ridiculously expensive. Any support is greatly appreciated from the bottom of my heart .... No matter now small. Also can you PLEASE share this link with any friends and family you think would like to help out Carol & Jeff who have always been there for others. Kindest Regards Tricia Van der Mark