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Sean is 7 years old and has suffered from a rare lung disease for most of his life. At first it meant that little things that other kids take for granted, like riding a bike, were a little more difficult for Sean. But as time wore on it became clear Sean's health issues were worsening. With two types of lung disease, a heart defect and a bleeding disorder, Sean has spent more time in hospital than most people spend in their lives. However Sean’s family have refused to believe that a normal childhood will be out of Sean's reach permanently, even after doctors told the family that Sean’s condition would eventually deteriorate and become terminal. As Sean's lung disease was so aggressive, doctors had all but run out of medical options and suggested chemotherapy as a last resort.
His father, Dean McDonald, explains. “Sean has a severe
interstitial lung disease. We stopped Chemo last month and are using
alternative measures. The kid is fighting back, and we hope one day he
gets to surf Duranbah.”
The family have undertaken reiki, accupuncture, photon light
therapy, coconut oil and a range of other treatments. Despite the less
than positive prognosis, the natural therepies seem to be assisting
Sean in defying the odds and improving lung capacity in recents
months. At his worst, Sean was functioning at 20% lung capacity, but
alternative treatements have helped him turn the tide and he's now
functioning at 25%. While the costs involved with his alternative
treatments have been relatively low thanks to a great support team of
practionioners and healers assisting with Sean's recovery, it all
still adds up -- especially as both of Sean's parents aren't working
so that they can be there for him each day, taking Sean from one
appointment to the next. The community have rallied to help support
the family and lessen their financial burdon.
Several prominent professional surfers including World Champions
Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson donated surfboards and signed
memorabilia for a charity event back in mid March at Rainbow Bay Surf
Club.
Due to overwhelming demand, this Fundrazr page has also been set
up so that those who couldn't make it to the fundraising evening can
still donate to the cause.
As Sean is under 18, funds donated through this page will be
directly deposited into Sean’s father Dean's Paypal account, and
transferred into a trust account for Sean under Sean’s own name.
Thanks for all your assistance - every little bit helps!
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