Paul recently passed from Prostate Cancer and in true form, Paul, and his family, selflessly want to donate to medical research unrelated to his own area of suffering.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to helping others with rare immune diseases due to his connection with a niece who battles from primary immunodeficiency (PID), cystic fibrosis, and chronic asthma.
PID is when someone is born lacking a component of the immune system or it is completely absent.
The diseases are so rare, some patients may not receive a diagnosis until reaching adulthood. And these are the lucky ones as many are fatal without early diagnosis (within the first 12 months of life) and treatment. There are 300+ genetically born errors (currently identified) and most patients will never meet another with their exact condition in their lifetime. It is a very lonely and frightening experience for the patient and their family as they continuously catch anything and everything and then battle to fight and survive it. Usually, they are trailblazing their own health care given it is not in the "textbook".
Co-morbidities are rife for those with PID and by way of example, the incidence of cancers in immunodeficient people is up to 300 times greater than the normal population.
Secondary immunodeficiency is when immunodeficiency arises because of another event during life, such as receiving cancer treatment.
The Garvan Institute are legends in their field of dedicating their research to rare immunodeficiency. They aim to identify the genetic mutations, find diagnoses for individuals, and treatment options.
In medical school, many doctors learn the saying, “when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”
They are taught to focus on the likeliest possibilities when making a diagnosis, not the unusual ones. And this is how the PID patients go by the wayside when it comes to scientific research, Government funding, support for diagnosis, and treatment options.
If you'd like to help the Zebras of the world and honour Paul in a meaningful way, then please donate to this incredibly unique cause.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$515
Rob, Chris, Matt, Brad & Tom
$10
Jenna, Jordan And Willow Dalton
Sending so much love to Uncle Paul, Aunty Bernie, Ange, Dan, Amy.and Loren. So beautiful that Uncle Paul's legacy lives on in many ways including this wonderful cause xxx
$52.75
Little G
$26.38
Kristine Hancock
$26.38
Dave Johnson
Sitting in the car at the Port Kembla footy ground and this popped up..nicely played PD...miss you heaps mate.
$52.75
Trudi Kennet
My heart goes out to you all for your loss, but what a beautiful legacy to help those suffering with immune deficiency
$52.75
Mick Shan Mia & Aimee Barry
“ Simply the best “
$52.75
Jo Lindbeck
Bernie, Ange and Daniel, my love to you all. Xx
$52.75
Nicholas Scott
$26.38
Ariana Harradine
$105.50
Elise Easdown
$105.50
Anonymous
$50
Amy Blue
$26.38
Julie Ball
Love and Best wishes x x
$26.38
Gamze
$52.75
Kellie Prenzler
My condolences to the Downing family. Paul sounds like an incredible man xo
$26.38
Anonymous
$26.38
Paul Hutchinson
$26.38
Jerome Boland
$52.75
Andrew Welsh
Ride on brother..
$52.75
Peter & Colette Williamson
For a truly special man. Loving wishes to dear Bernadette, Angela, Daniel & Amy.
$105.50
Graham & Jan Mcdonald
In memory of our dearest friend. Graham and Jan
$52.75
Declan
Sending lots of love to you all.
$105.50
Philip Piggin
$105.50
Michael Burke
In memory of a very special man
$26.38
Anonymous
$52.75
Greg Downing
Ll the best. Stuck for words. Cheers
$52.75
Miranda Patton
$52.75
Robyn Turner
The service was a wonderful tribute to Paul. You did him and yourselves proud.
$105.50
Mammone Family
To Bernadette, Angela, Daniel; our very sincere condolences to you all and your extended family during this difficult period of time. such sadness when we heard; we are blessed to have known Paul during our Children's school years and Arcadian years; a kind hearted, gentle man who loved his family so very much. our thoughts and prayers are with you all. look after each other. xx
$105.50
Karron And Tim Donnelly
$105.50
The Laurent Family
$211
Mick And Jen
A born leader. Go sainters
$105.50
Carrie, Darryl, Amelia & Sophie
$79.13
Mim Wells
Sending all my love to Bernie, Ange, Daniel & Amy. Thinking of you all at this time. Big love ❤️ xxx
$105.50
The Clark Family
Sending much love and strength to Bernadette and family, lots of love from Penni, Dave, Matt, Jack & Sara xxx
$52.75
Bernie Buchholz
It takes a very, very special person to think of others in the darkest of their days, but Paul, that is you all over. Thank you so much for your friendship. I, and heaps of others, are much the better for having known you. Much love to Bernie, Daniel, Ange and Amy
$105.50
Dave And Felicity
In loving memory of Paul xxx
$52.75
Louise
$105.50
Sue Jackson
Dear Bernadette, Ange, Dan and Amy Sending you much love and strength. So heartbroken for you all on the passing of Paul. Love Sue, Ross and Elizabeth xxx
$105.50
Nic & Dan Moloney
$52.75
Janine, Paul, Taylor & Mitchell Cable
$52.75
Lizzy, Mitch, Bobby & Jimmy Scott
The epitome of a true gentleman. Selfless, caring and genuine, always putting others first. We’ll miss you “uncle” Paul xoxoxo (and love you, cousin Lozza)
$52.75
Sean & Carol Kendall
With our love. Go well Paul.
$26.38
Victoria Beal
Love to all ❤️
$52.75
Longmire Maura & Peter
My beautiful brother thinking of others right til the end. This is such a worthy cause! ❤️
$105.50
The Lund Family
Lots of love to all. Xx
$52.75
Karen & Michael
It is our honour to donate to this cause in your name PD. xxx
$211
Ian Ernest Ebert
$105.50
Nick And Joan Vosnakes
$52.75
Michael And Lynne Constable
$105.50
Deborah Fennell
$52.75
Bill And Desolie Lovegrove
Just a little for someone who gave so much to his communities.
$21.10
Simon Maksour
$52.75
Mary Macqueen
Sincerest condolences to Paul’s family on your loss Rest peacefully Paul
$100
John & Cien Downing
Paul your thoughtfulness lives on. Big Love to Bernie, Ange, Daniel & Amy xxx ❤️🤍🖤
$52.75
Loren Downing
All my love to Aunty Bernie, Ange and Dan. Uncle Paul will be missed dearly and I’m honoured to have had him as my Uncle xox
Missing you PD. Love to Bernie, Ang & Amy and Dan. It became obvious at your funeral when we pieced all the stories together that you touched so many lives and communities. A hard act to follow. Here's to the progress of the Garvin Institute.