Coffee Morning / Fun Day

I am Amy Mandelj and I am 27 years old. I suffer with a fairly rare condition called Henoch-Schönlein purpura. I have had this condition now for almost 2 years and I am on fairly strong medication for it, with no sign of it going, (even though I was told it would last 4-6 weeks with no need for medication). 

I am organising a fund-raising event to raise more awareness for Vasculitis, and also to raise money for the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation, who are funding research into vasculitis and the causes of it.   I am going to be hosting a coffee morning/fun day on Saturday 28th March at Gildersome Meeting Hall. Here there will be a variety of different stalls (including a Books Stall, Toys Stall, Cake Stall, Tombola's and also a raffle and Auction)   It is a rare condition, usually seen in children, that causes blood vessels to become inflamed. It results in a skin rash with joint and stomach pains. The medical term for inflammation of the blood vessels is "vasculitis", which means they get irritated and swollen. This inflammation can cause the small surface blood vessels to bleed into the skin, which results in the rash commonly seen in Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). It can also affect blood vessels in the bowel and kidneys. HSP is caused by your immune system not working properly. It occurs most often in the spring, usually after an upper respiratory infection such as a sore throat, cough or cold. My condition has also ulcerated leaving my legs covered in scars.  

The exact cause is unknown. It might be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection, a medicine, an insect bite, or exposure to chemicals.   HSP is not contagious. It occurs most often in children aged two to 11 years, but it can affect anyone.  

I stumbled across an incredible website last year which offers support for a range of vasculitis patients. http://www.thelaurencurrietwilightfoundation.org. I really wish I had found this sooner as the help and support they offer is great. Obviously there are many forms of vasculitis, mine just happens to be one of them.  

I realise this is a long shot but I was just wondering if you could support me in this by making a donation (every little helps) to go towards funding this event. Obviously there is the cost of the hall, tickets and insurance. If we manage to raise more than the costs of the event the money will go straight to the Fun Days total. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would really appreciate your support.

Kind Regards

Amy Mandelj