AN online fundraiser is planned to help people who suffer from rare autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis, with Ballarat region artists encouraged to contribute work to be auctioned.

Also known as MG and as ‘snowflake disease’ because, like snowflakes, the symptoms are unique in the way they impact each patient, Myasthenia Gravis is a condition that affects Ballarat woman Susie Stroud.

“I was diagnosed back in 2008,” said Stroud, a professional florist who is keen to raise awareness of the upcoming online auction now in its third year and run by Myasthenia Alliance Australia.

“I was in my late 40’s and after long and complicated research to find what was causing my eye drooping, double vision, fatigue in my limbs and continuous headaches, I went to visit an optometrist they correctly guessed that I had MG,

Snowflake the bear is among items being donated to be auctioned.

 

“I needed to get an appointment with a professor who had dealt with MG in Melbourne who, after a few tests in hospital, diagnosed MG.”

Stroud said she is now stable thanks to her neurologist, GP, husband and medication, but MG is a long-term chronic illness that sufferers must learn to live with.

“I have had great treatment called IVIG and Rituxumab and I attend hospital once every four weeks and get this product that helps with my everyday living. Thank you Grampians Health and the medical day ward,” she said.

Stroud said she will be donating a vase for the upcoming online auction while friends are also pitching in with donations.

“I have also got a beautiful bear called Snowflake from a lovely friend who handmade him. I have another friend who is creating a crochet rug using snowflakes in the design,” she said.

“If any artists would like to donate a painting or two… they can go to the national Myasthenia Alliance Australia website and it will start to go live in May.

“Submissions are open until the end of June and the auction will open online on 22 June and close on 28 June.”

Successful bidders for auctioned items will be announced on 3 July. Items will be shipped on 6 July, Stroud said.

Those keen to get more information can contact Stroud by phone on 0416 147 424 or email [email protected].