Gavin Bell is hoping to draw on community support.
By Shaun Inguanzo
THE FAMILY of a Keysborough man who is battling a rare brain disease is urging the community to dig deep – while having fun – and take part in a fundraising festival that will help pay for expensive stem cell treatment.
Raymond Bell, 65, has been diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, a form of gross muscle incoordination that could see the once-active Keysborough resident wheelchair bound within years if left untreated.
His son Gavin Bell, a professional caricaturist, and daughter Sharon, a landscape designer, in conjunction with Australian doctors have identified that stem cell treatment in China could help Mr Bell maintain his mobility and quality of life.
But that treatment will cost a whopping $30,000.
To raise funds, the family is running a Father’s Day ‘Fun-Raiser’ event at Garden World in Springvale on Sunday 31 August.
Families can visit Garden World, have their caricature drawn by Gavin, enter a raffle, and enjoy live entertainment, while also indulging in a sausage sizzle to be organised by the Springvale Lions Club.
Ms Bell, 38, said her dad had been a big community contributor and family man, having built a garden at the kids’ Keysborough school and been involved with the Dandenong Swimming Club.
She said it was time that the family gave him something in return for his support.
“He is such a young man,” Ms Bell said.
“He’s not long retired and it’s such a shame to see such an active man become debilitated.
“Dad has been a great dad and grandfather.”
Ms Bell said the stem cell treatment would come from umbilical cord stem cells – not the controversial embryonic form – and the treatment had helped a female sufferer who lives in Wangaratta.
“She had a fairly similar diagnosis to dad, and the treatment has given her a much better quality of life,” she said.
“They’re all individual, as with any procedure, but stem cell treatment has produced some amazing things from people.”
To help the Bell family visit the Bell Fun-Raiser at Garden World Springvale located at 810 Springvale Road.
“They make great Father’s Day gifts at Garden World,” Ms Bell said.
“All the proceeds from the barbecue, Father’s Day raffle we’ll be running, and the caricature drawings will go towards dad’s treatment.”
