Help Ania get home

Ania Szkolik has recently been diagnosed with NMO, a rare disease and central nervous system disorder which causes damage to the immune system, spinal cord, and eyes. There is currently no cure. Since January 8th of this year, Ania has become paralyzed from the chest down and has lost 90% of her vision. She has been bed-ridden in the hospital for 11 weeks and, as a non-citizen of Australia, must move back to her home country of Italy to continue rehabilitation and treatment.

The effects of Ania’s illness have had a devastating impact on ourselves and her family. Ania’s medical benefits in Australia are set to expire and we are doing our best to help ease the financial burden and resulting stress the family and Ania herself are enduring. Our goal is to raise $7500 to pay for Ania’s medical transportation from the Gold Coast Hospital to Villa Rosa Hospital in Pergine Valsugana, Italy. These funds will cover the costs of air fare and the necessary equipment required by airlines for intercontinental transportation of disabled people with a minimum of one stopover along the way. The transportation of disabled people can incur additional costs, including special equipment that will make air travel accessible and comfortable for Ania.

We have made our own efforts and contributions as a family in the past 11 weeks and are reaching out to the public for further support. Ania currently does not have any financial income due to her illness. We would like to thank you in advance during this difficult time, and ask that you keep Ania in your thoughts.