STEM cell treatment to alleviate pain from debilitating osteoarthritis is within Shawn Komidar’s reach thanks to the community’s generosity.
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Shawn's mum Julie Komidar got in touch with his friendship circle to let them know the extent of Shawn’s osteoarthritis.
His closest friends acted and organised a gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/23bdua4
Sas Lyon, one of the fundraiser organisers, said Shawn was not a person to shout out for help as he was always too busy lending a helping hand himself.
“His friends knew that if his mum was reaching out for them to check up on him it must be a really serious situation,” she said.
Mrs Lyon said Shawn’s friends all over the world valued his friendship and they were so excited to be able to give back.
The gofundme page was set up to cover the cost of Shawn's stem cell treatment and rehabilitation.
The treatment, which will go ahead in July, has no government subsidy.
An online art auction is helping to boost the fundraising kitty after artists Adam Murray, Laura Pick and Hendo Longstaff donated artworks.
People can make auction bids at www.32auctions.com/dearjohn until noon on June 18.
Shawn has recently resigned from his job for health reasons.
The stem cell treatment seemed positive, he said.
“It is not a full on cure but it would take away the pain,” Shawn said.
“For me, that’s a cure anyway, because if I am not in pain, I am not worried.”