In a new episode of Season 4 of The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast, ParaMatilda Bec Jones shares how she survived Autoimmune Encephalitis because of the kindness of Australian plasma donors.
Autoimmune Encephalitis(AE).
Autoimmune encephalitis is a collection of related conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation. The immune system produces substances called antibodies that mistakenly attack brain cells. Left untreated, autoimmune encephalitis can quickly become serious and potentially fatal. It may lead to coma or permanent brain injury.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusions (IVIG).
The disease can be progressive (worsening over time) or relapsing-remitting (with alternating flare-ups and periods of recovery). Treatment is possible with Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion (IVIG) made from donate human plasma. For AE patients like Bec and Marleigh, this can be lifesaving in an acute phase of the condition and life preserving for every infusion in between.
Changing the landscape for para-athletes, women in sport and football in Australia.
In her survival, Bec is helping to change the landscape for para-athletes, women in sport and football in Australia, thanks to Australian blood and plasma donors, Bec is having effective treatment for her Autoimmune Encephalitis and as a member of the Australian ParaMatlida’s Football squad she is showcasing the way that women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke can dominate on the football field.
She has overcome incredible challenges to now be representing Australia, returning to University and pursuing her studies in Medicine. She hopes to practice in rural or remote setting and improve understanding of the red flags for Autoimmune Encephalitis to help to reduce time from symptom onset to commencement of treatment.
Bec thanks Australian blood donors for giving her life.
Bec is deeply grateful for the Aussies who donated their plasma that saved her life and that continue to help her thrive! She is a deeply valued member of the Milkshakes for Marleigh community and we cant wait to see what she does next.
To hear more from Bec Jones from the ParaMatilda’s, listen to Season 4, Episode 3 of The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yFl74UHqfnjSEjax2rGuh?si=_r-XwMjGRu2D09919L8Zng (Spotify)
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/milkshakes-for-marleigh/id1594602468?i=1000664339363 (Apple)
Download now where ever you get your podcasts.