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Dig Deep For Chapman Children: Northe

The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has praised the generosity of a Traralgon couple whose donation could have life-saving ramifications.

By Russell Northe - 24th November 2009 - Back to News

Traralgon Hungry Jacks owners Jim and Tammy Fkiaras this week handed over a $6,000 cheque to Yinnar couple Joel and Sue Chapman.

Mr Northe said the Chapmans were on a life-changing quest to help their three children Kelly and twins Emily and Katelyn, all of whom were born with the rare glycogen storage disease (GSD).

"This money could be life saving for Joel and Sue’s children," Mr Northe said.

"The family are desperately trying to raise enough money to fly to the United States next year to see Dr David Weinstein, a renowned paediatrician who specialises in GSD.

"The disease is so rare that just 12 cases that have been diagnosed in Australia and very little is known about it.

"If Joel and Sue can raise the funds, they believe Dr Weinstein might be able to prescribe a program to make life a little bit easier for their beautiful young girls."

Mr Northe is urging other Latrobe Valley residents to dig deep to help the couple.

"Our community has the power to make an enormous difference to this young family’s life," Mr Northe said.

"Bendigo Bank has been kind enough to set up a trust fund on behalf of the Chapmans.

"Anyone wanting to donate can visit a Bendigo Bank branch and deposit money in the Chapman Family Fund.

"All donations over $2 are tax deductible and the bank will provide a tax invoice."

Mr Northe said the strain of providing around the clock care had become so great that Joel had given up work.

"The girls’ blood sugar levels need to be tested every two hours and they need to be fed every three hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr Northe said.

"The family has no immediate relatives in the area, which makes the demands of the disease even more stressful.

"Any money received through the trust will go a long way to relieving the enormous stress the couple are under."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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