Sometimes, it's not until you're falling apart that you realise how loved and treasured you really are.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo's Paige Simpson may be in the grips of the battle of a lifetime, but the support from loved ones and community members has given her something she didn't have before: insight into how treasured and valued she is.
Miss Simpson has been battling a chronic condition for years and though some days feel impossible, the support she has been receiving from the community and wider is keeping her strong.
"I honestly cannot even describe the feeling, or what all this support means to me, I feel so much gratitude and love," Miss Simpson said.
A chronic condition is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time.
Community members have raised more than $12,000 to support Miss Simpson's through a GoFundMe page as well as through a fundraiser at the Castlereagh Hotel held by Miss Simpson's employer and the MPK group.
"I was beyond surprised by the support. I originally made the GoFundMe page as I was lying wide awake at 3am in the morning with horrendous pain," she said.
"I made the page as a plan to make my home life a lot easier to adjust once I was to come home. I would not be mobile, I would be connected to a drip 12 hours a day, taking injections each day, not able to work and be frequently going to RPA for many future hospital admissions.
"My goal was for $500, I was never to expect the community support that was to come. I still am honestly shocked by it and I pinch myself every day about the influx of messages, love, prayers, and support I've been given."
Miss Simpson said the help she has had from the community since making her journey with chronic illness public has been "overwhelming".
"[The support] has taken the stress off a lot of things for me, such as my family being able to come to Sydney and visit me whilst I was admitted for three weeks, the cost of medications, costly tests I receive, the future trips I will make to Sydney for specialist appointments, future operations and admissions," she said.
"Also, the cost of outside bills such as my phone or energy for my pump to work as I am now unable to work myself. I have had people offer me wheelchairs as I can't walk properly, offer to drive me around and support me in any way they can.
"The support means the absolute world to me, the kindness in people's hearts has astounded me. I have cried so many happy tears from the support."
"It means I can focus on my health without the financial burden this illness weighs on me," Miss Simpson said.
"But, It's not only the financial support, it's the emotional support that has overwhelmed me.
"I believe this has made me realise that it's okay to ask for help.
"I use to think asking for things made me a burden, but this has made me realise that asking for help is an okay thing and the community does not treat you differently for it.
"The way the community grapples together to help someone honestly astounds and amazes me.
"Nothing that has happened has gone unnoticed to me and I'm forever grateful for the help I receive. I would not be able to fight this awful disease without it and I'm so glad I have a whole community backing me in this."
Miss Simpsons journey is far from over, but she remains supported by loved ones and even strangers.
You can support Miss Simpson by making a donation at https://gofund.me/09ebe63c.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News