Hundreds of pounds raised with family fundraiser days for Stacey Parker

Hundreds of pounds were raised by two family fundraiser days for Stacey Parker, who suffers with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

A get-together for Stacey’s dad, Tony, at Mayfield Rugby Club raised more than £400 towards further medical testing for Stacey on 16 March, whilst a fun day at The Success to the Plough in Marland on Saturday 23 March raised a further £565.

Stacey and her family hope with this testing, Stacey will be able to get the correct diagnosis and treatment she needs to get better, following three years of illness.

Diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Stacey first fell ill with a range of strange symptoms in early 2016 – it is still taking medical professionals’ time to connect all the dots together.

MCAS sufferers’ immune systems become hyper sensitive and they react to all sort of normal things, often with a very limited diet and they become housebound as they are sensitive to environmental triggers.

Stacey said: “My dad had an absolutely fantastic day on 16 March; it was the happiest I had seen him in quite a while. It was absolutely amazing, and I am so grateful as is my family.”

The Help for Stacey event at the Marland pub consisted of a raffle, an auction, face painting, tattoos for children, spin-a-prize, a variety of games for children to play and a buffet.

 

 

Raffle prizes were donated from friends, strangers and businesses alike. Stacey's family would like to thank all businesses, family, friends and individuals for their donations. They even received a signed photograph of Jesse Lingard (who plays for Manchester United) days before the event which was kindly donated by the Manchester United Foundation.

Stacey’s mum, Bernadette said: “It was a fabulous turnout, seeing over 70 people attend to show they are willing to help Stacey get what she needs and deserves is fab. It is nice for Stacey to see that people care and was also lovely for her to be able to attend.”

“It was a nice day; everyone seemed to have a lovely time. I was amazed and honoured at how many people came. It was nice to see everyone; although I was very tired when I got home,” Stacey added.

In addition to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Stacey has also been diagnosed with other conditions, including lipoedema, lymphoedema, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), plus spinal issues.

 

 

Over £10,000 (before JustGiving fees) has been donated to Stacey’s cause as she attempts to find answers for her illnesses, which cause her constant pain and fatigue amongst other symptoms.

Stacey is scheduled to undergo genetic testing in London for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and autoinflammatory diseases in May.

The 31-year-old former council worker has recently been diagnosed with unstable first and second cervical vertebrae in her neck which are misaligned (Atlantoaxial subluxation, or AAS) and easily dislocated (Atlantoaxial instability, or AAI).

EDS is a genetic condition that means connective tissue holding the body together is faulty and too weak, causing extreme widespread pain, daily dislocations, cardiac abnormalities and multiple other illnesses. It affects around one in 5,000 people worldwide.

Stacey has been told that she would benefit from a digital motion x-ray which will help assess any issues or damage to her spine in greater detail. Stacey is hoping to have one done in the UK, but she says many people before her have needed to travel to Barcelona.

Stacey says the specialist in Barcelona would like to see her and evaluate her case personally, but that ultimately depends on finances and whether it’s a viable option.

She added: “Once all planned tests have been paid for, it looks like there could be as little as £700 left, and we don’t know what else is to come. The geneticist could suggest additional tests not considered which will then be an additional cost, which is why we continue to fundraise.”

The family continues to fundraise in anticipation of further medical tests, and any remaining funds will be donated to the Mast Cell Action charity.

Help Stacey

To donate to Stacey’s cause, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/helpforstaceyp 
• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpforstacey
• Paypal paypal.me/helpforstacey

Direct donations to:
Stacey Parker
Sort Code 11 06 41
Account No 13088768