Wethers Family (Bodhi's treatment Journey)

Hi, my name is Melissa Evans (or Beats to many), this Go Fund Me page is in support of my sister and her family as they continue the Treatment journey for my nephew Bodhi.

 

Specifically, at this point, to support living away from home expenses. An extended stay in Melbourne for treatment has exhausted paid leave options for Belinda ‘Principal at Pomonal Primary School’ (main family income). She will commence leave without pay in July this year, after managing 6 months leave at half pay.

 

In January this year Bodhi underwent a Bone Marrow transplant (thanks to the kind donation of his sister Billie) to treat his rare genetic disorder ‘Alpha Mannosidosis’. A condition where the lack of an enzyme to convert carbohydrates results in a build up of waste matter in the body destroying cells –

 

For Bodhi, this has created a range of challenges

- Significant brain damage/intellectual disability/behaviour issues

- Joint and muscle issues (he will likely require a hip replacement and bone extension later this year)

- Significant hearing loss

 

While the transplant will not reverse any existing damage, it will hopefully prevent further regression (as it will provide Bodhi with the enzyme he lacks).

 

Day 100 had been bandied around as a crucial milestone after a transplant for taking steps towards resettling back in the home environment. The family eagerly tracked progress towards ‘May 20th 2022’ with everyone keen to get Bodhi back living his best life as a regular little ‘Dr Doolittle/Animal Whisperer’ on his farm - Grampians Feathers and Things.

 

Unfortunately, his current treatment has extended as his magnesium levels are unable to be steadily maintained at this point – a complication thought to be from the essential anti-rejection medication he is still required to take.

This page has been created at the request of friends and family who wanted to contribute and show support for the family. We welcome and appreciate your contribution and support of Bodhi's journey.

 

For those unable to assist by donating you may like to show your support in another way:

 

• Keep Bodhi in your throughts and follow his journey on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Bodhi-a-little-boy-with-Alpha-Mannosidosis-105689118508314

 

• Share this GoFundMe on your socials - help us reach as many people as possible

 

• Visit, Share and Like - Grampians Feathers and Things

The families other business venture that provides Bodhi with so much joy but unfortunately keeps Dad, Tim, busy at home with daily duties that require his expertise and make visits to Melbourne brief and a timetabling challenge.

https://www.facebook.com/feathersnthings1

 

• Consider donating your time to ‘Ronald McDonald House Charities’ which have generously provided ongoing accommodation for Belinda and  Bodhi - 100m from the Royal Children’s Hospital and a short work to the Melbourne Zoo.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by to learn more about the families’ journey.