Karen Jane Brown
Let's Beat PSC!
Fundraising for PSC - Support
Story
A wee bit about PSC... Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated disease of the bile ducts with no medical treatment. PSC is referred to as ‘the last black box in hepatology’ because there is so much we don’t yet understand about this complex condition, despite impressive research progress in the last decade. People with PSC urgently need a treatment that works.Donating to PSC Support means you are helping us fund more ground-breaking research projects. The next one could be the breakthrough that people with PSC have been waiting for.#LetsBeatPSC
OUR STORY AND THE REASONS WE'RE RAISING FUNDS FOR PSC SUPPORT... My family and I have some uncertain times ahead. The people closest to me know that my wee* brother Callum lives with an incredibly tough, rare liver condition with no known cure** and it's come to the point in his life that he needs a life saving liver transplant. 4 weeks ago I put myself forward to be his donor and after some test results last Thursday, we had the positive but scary news that I am a match for him.
It's early days and the next step is more tests... On Nov 17th I have a fitness test, lung capacity and heart health test & assessment by a psychologist to see if physically/mentally I could cope with the operation and recovery - all the while, a donor could come along from a deceased person. That would be the ideal situation as then the whole liver could be transplanted and not a third of mine.
My brother is strong, driven, a high achiever & has never ever let this hold him back, we are so proud of him and he deserves a better chance at life. I would switch places with him if I could!
My mum Susan, me and our friend Deirdre who's daughter Darragh was diagnosed with the same illness - PSC (Primary Schlersosing Cholangitis) at 14 years old - are starting some fundraisers to raise awareness and money for the research into PSC. It's rare so there's only one charity that does this, PSC Support, and they're struggling big time at the minute. They are an amazing charity who put any funds straight into research and use it well.
We have a wee Christmas Day sea swimming challenge in mind, I'll be working some long days in December where I donate all of my takings to PSC Support and we'll try to get local businesses involved to help raise funds. We already have so many wonderful, generous offers for prizes for a raffle! Please look out for our upcoming posts!! We do know its a difficult time for most and just want to try our best (it'll also keep my mum focused on something other than the uncertainty of what's ahead).
In the meantime, I need to keep as active as possible to get through the fitness test 😅😅😅 but thanks to my coach Phil, Holyrood Boxing Gym and my running and swimming pals who encourage me I'm sure I'll be fine 😳🤔
If you have any other ideas please please send them over, we'd love your input and know we are surrounded by so many magical, loving and supportive people!! We are truly grateful.
* he isn't very wee actually, he's 32 years old and about 6ft tall, but will always be my WEE brother.
** I'm a firm believer in that there is a cure on this planet for everything, sometimes that lies within the mind, body and soul but currently, no one with PSC has been cured or beaten it.
Thank you 💕