Tauranga woman’s battle with multiple sclerosis

The concert will raise much needed funds for Tauranga born-and-raised woman Amanda Berry.

An upcoming event is one Tauranga woman's way of bringing her best friend that much closer to achieving a miracle.

A Miracle for Amanda: Fundraising Concert, is a charitable event being held in Bethlehem on August 18.

The event is being hosted to raise much needed funds for Tauranga born-and-raised woman Amanda Berry and has been organised by her best friend, Kate Lovell.

'Amanda has relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis,” says Kate. 'This cruel neurological disease is stealing her ability to be herself, a wife, a mother and to do the smallest of things which most of us take for granted.”

Kate says body-wide pain, crippling headaches, loss of speech, dizziness, and fatigue are symptoms which have become a part of Amanda's everyday life.

'Since her last relapse on her birthday in November Amanda hasn't been able to drive, to work, take her two and three-year-old to the park or the beach, or pick up her fifteen-year-old daughter from the school bus when the rain pelts down.

'Her supportive husband, Chris, works 70-80 hours a week to keep his family afloat and they receive no government funding or help of any kind.

'Amanda and her family need a miracle.”

That miracle can only be found in Moscow and comes in the form of a stem cell treatment.

'Stem cell treatment for MS has produced astounding results. People destined for wheelchairs are now walking, running and cycling; their bodies and minds restored to normal. But it's expensive and not available in New Zealand.

'Amanda has been accepted for treatment at the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Center for October this year.”

The cost of the treatment is about $73,000 which includes accommodation and food, says Kate.

'But Amanda will also need money for flights, expenses and to support her children who will be at home for the entire month she is getting treatment. We need to raise close to $100,000 to get her there.

'I want her to have this treatment so she can regain her life and I don't want to see her deteriorate further.”

Hence the fundraiser, from which all profit will be going towards Amanda's treatment, says Kate.

She says it's a good chance to sit back, enjoy live local entertainers, and relax all while raising funds to get Amanda to Russia.

'I have had some amazing people, including some who personally know Amanda but also many who don't, come on board for the event.

'Most have donated their time for the cause which is brilliant and helps so much.”

Kate says each guest will receive an individual picnic box upon arrival made by Lemongrass Catering, with all nonalcoholic drinks included in the ticket price.

The night is a cash-only event and will include a photobooth, raffles and giveaways, from a pool of prizes which have been generously donated to the cause.

Prizes include art work, accommodation and beauty vouchers among others, and raffle tickets cost $5 each or 5 for $20.

Tickets to the concert cost $45. Alternatively you can make a donation to Amanda's Givealittle page at any time.

For more information on the event email: kate@asyoulikeit.co.nz

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