Elizabeth Shaw

From Elizabeth 10th June 2023

I’ve had so many beautiful messages since the birth of Max, including “I hope you guys are well”. Some of you might have noticed that the reply has only included a synopsis on Max’s health, and not my own. This is because I have not been well.

This time last year I was in Mudgee with my friends. My biggest stress was choosing which wineries we should visit and finding my lost car keys after a night out.

This year I’m spending the long weekend in a hospital bed, commencing treatment for a diagnosis of Aplastic Anaemia, a rare bone marrow failure syndrome, 7 weeks after giving birth to my baby.

The last few weeks of pregnancy, and then the last 7 weeks have definitely not gone to plan, and have been far from what I pictured new motherhood to be.

My stressors this year are a little bit more life threatening, and one of them includes a shortage of suitable blood for continued transfusions needed to keep me going, and finding a suitable bone marrow donor if/when we need to cross that bridge.

My vision is a brighter future for patients living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

I am supporting Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision to fund vital research and provide support for patients living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and their families. Approximately 160 Australians are diagnosed with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes each year.

Distressingly, most of them are children and young adults, and 50% will not survive. Thousands more are living with ongoing complex health issues. By supporting my fundraiser, you're helping power the incredible research that will unlock better treatments and cures for people living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and ensure they can access the support they need.

Please support me to reach my donation goal and together, we will #FightLikeMaddie!