ORGANISERS of The Lucas Appeal are hoping Muswellbrook’s community spirit comes to the fore next month.
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Five-year-old Lucas Dadd has chronic ITP (Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpure), a rare autoimmune disorder, in which a person’s blood doesn’t clot properly, because the immune system destroys the blood-clotting platelets.
No-one knows the source of ITP, but some kinds of viral infection may cause the immune system to malfunction and start producing antibodies that attack platelets.
Treatment options include the monitoring of platelet levels, medications, and surgical removal of the spleen in severe cases.
And, that’s why Muswellbrook RSL Club employees Katie Lennox and Kristy Parsons have stepped in to assist the local family.
“Lucas is the son of one of our staff members, Kellie,” the duo explained.
“So, we want to help the family out with their medical bills and ongoing treatment, but also raise awareness of chronic ITP.
“We were surprised by the lack of information on the disorder.
“It is so rare.”
The pair will host a Lucas Fun Day at the Muswellbrook RSL Club on Sunday, February 5, from noon.
A barbecue, jumping castle, visit from Edinglassie RFS, Upper Hunter Motoring Association exhibit, Sparkles the Clown, tenpin bowls on the greens, lucky dips, fairy floss, raffles and much, much more is scheduled to keep everyone entertained, young or old.
“Originally, we set a goal of $5000, which was reached,” Ms Lennox said.
“Now, we’re aiming for $10,000.
“But, we’ve been thrilled by the response.
“We’ve held raffles at the club and a charity bingo day.
“One hundred per cent [of the money raised] will go towards Lucas and the family, who’ve indicated they’ll make a donation to the Children’s Cancer Unit at John Hunter Hospital, too.
“Many local businesses and groups have jumped on board, so we’d like to thank the Muswellbrook RSL Club, Finders Keepers, Zacahli’s Sweet Treats, The Chop Shop Butchers, Dimmocks Meats, The Lucky Star Bistro, Muswellbrook Lions Club, Carolyn Mann, Muswellbrook RSL Women’s Bowling Club, Muswellbrook Men’s Bowling Club, National Serviceman’s Association, Garlicks H Hardware, Castles 4 Rascals, Sparkles the Clown, Blue Flame Indian Restaurant & Car Wash, Hunter Belle Cheese, Betta Electrical, Allan O’Bryne Massage, Berry and French Pharmacy, Fibonacci Coffee, Muswellbrook Eagles Football Club, Muswellbrook Holden, James from Pitstop Recharge, Hi Tech Gaming, Regional Australia Bank, the Rowsthorne Family, Rounds and Stitches, Plaster Fun Hunter Valley, Tristone Sandruly, Upper Hunter Motoring Association and Edinglassie Fire Brigade.”
Another highlight, on February 5, will be the drawing of the major raffle.
The lucky winner is set to receive a wheelbarrow filled with $300 worth of goods, while second prize is a framed autographed Craig Lowndes shirt and, third, is a handmade quilt.