The Travis Gatt foundation

On the first of June, 4 months after the death of my friend, we will be having a charity foundation dinner to raise money for the Travis Gatt foundation. This will be held at the Werribee Zoo and is a dinner dance. The tickets are $60 and you may purchase tickets from the Melbourne Zoo. I would love it if some of my friends could come however if you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, the information on how to do that is at the end of this post!!! All proceeds go directly to the Travis Gatt Foundation for the research into XLA.

http://www.melbournezoo.com.au/

Travis Gatt had a vision, that through his life and his experiences, he could help others. Travis was born with an immune deficiency called X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), a condition that affects around 200 people across Australia.

What is XLA..

XLA is a genetic condition, which primarily affects males and is passed from mother to son. women who have the gene for XLA are usually healthy "carriers" of the conditon. In XLA, the body can't make antibodies to fight infection this leads to recurrent sinus and chest infections, and complications such as bronchiectasis (in which the lungs tissues break down) being common. Due to the relative rarity of XLA, not all doctors are aware of its existence. As a result, people with this condition can remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed later in life after damage has already been done.

XLA is managed with regular antibody replacement treatment, antibiotics, and a healthy, smoke free lifestyle - all of which are maintained from diagnosis throughout the life of the affected person. However, this treatment is far from ideal, being expensive, time-consuming and imperfect - even with treatment, those affected are subject to life-threatening infections. There is no cure for XLA.

What I am asking from you...

More research is needed to find better treatments for XLA. In addition, there is a need for patient and community education to raise awareness of XLA, and the condition before it causes damage. Earlier detection means a better outcome for affected individuals and their families. By contributing to this fund, you can help make Travis' Vision a reality.

We have opened a fund under Travis' name and every little bit helps.

Donations are tax deductible

The details are..

A gift in memory

The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Fundraising Department

Locked Bag 800

Carlton South Vic 3053

Deatils in envelope need to include, your name, address (for receipt), credit card details/cash/cheque or money order details and most importantly the following ..

Travis Gatt Fund

6/4/1979 - 1/2/2007

XLA Immune Deficiency

The Forgotten Disease

Even something as small as $2 still helps. Please find it in your heart to make a donation.