The Kirsty W Fund
Supporting urgent medical care, raising awareness, and helping a local family through an extremely rare condition.
Kirsty’s Story
Kirsty W is a single mother of three and a former registered nurse who spent her career caring for critically ill newborns and children in neonatal and paediatric intensive care.
Over the past several years, Kirsty’s own health has deteriorated significantly due to a rare and complex gastrointestinal condition known as Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), combined with gastroparesis and severe intestinal dysmotility.
In Kirsty’s case, this is congenital and linked to an underlying connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Despite years of treatment attempts in Australia, conservative management has failed and surgery is now medically necessary. Kirsty has experienced severe weight loss, malnutrition, repeated hospitalisations, and increasing difficulty caring for her daughter Isla, who also has additional needs.
Due to the limited availability of specialised SMAS surgery for complex cases within Australia, Kirsty must travel overseas to access life-saving surgical treatment through an internationally recognised specialist pathway.
Full Story (Details)
Read Kirsty’s full background and treatment journey
Kirsty W is a single mother of three and a former registered nurse specialising in neonatal and paediatric intensive care. Over several years her health has deteriorated due to Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), gastroparesis, and severe gastrointestinal dysmotility. In Kirsty’s case, this is congenital and linked to a connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
SMAS is a mechanical compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, preventing normal passage of food, fluids, and nutrition. Without effective treatment, SMAS can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, chronic pain, and progressive decline.
Despite years of investigation and treatment attempts in Australia, Kirsty’s condition has progressed to the point where conservative management has failed and surgery is medically necessary. Due to the limited availability of specialised surgical care for complex SMAS cases in Australia, Kirsty must travel overseas to access treatment.
(Additional medical summaries and verification can be provided on request.)
About Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS)
- SMAS is a rare digestive disorder caused by compression of the small intestine.
- The duodenum becomes trapped between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery.
- This prevents food and fluids from passing normally through the digestive tract.
- Without treatment, SMAS can lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration, chronic pain, and progressive decline.
Common Symptoms
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Intolerance to eating and sometimes even fluids
- Abdominal pain after meals
- Dangerous weight loss and malnutrition
- Electrolyte imbalance, fainting, hypoglycaemia
- Long-term organ and physical decline without surgery
Why Overseas Surgery is Needed
- Complex SMAS surgery is extremely limited in Australia
- Connective tissue disorders like EDS increase complexity and risk
- Specialist surgical expertise overseas offers the best chance of recovery
Supporting the Kirsty W Fund
The Kirsty W Fund has been established to help support the significant medical, surgical, and travel costs required for this urgent treatment, and to give Kirsty the opportunity to regain health, stability, and the ability to care for her family.
For enquiries or support, please contact:
Rotary Club of Melton Valley
Email: kstephen@tpg.com.au
(Fundraising and medical details can be provided on request. Thank you for your kindness and support.)