By ALANA MITCHELSON
A PAKENHAM mother of five awaiting a double lung transplant has appealed to the community for help in supporting her children and completing everyday domestic tasks such as washing, cooking and cleaning.
Marnie Horyniak was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory disease that causes scarring of the lungs and serious breathing problems.
Over the past eight years, her condition has gradually worsened but Ms Horyniak said her health had dipped further in the past six to 12 months.
Her children Scout, Austin, Jesse, London and Shiloh are aged between two and nine years old.
“I think I pushed myself a bit too long while my health was a bit better, trying to do everything, because I was worried about my children. One of my friends ended up having to tell me to stop,” the 34-year-old said.
“I can’t do much. It’s hard. This is a long-term problem. It’s not going to end tomorrow. It’s going to be a long haul.
“I’m very sick and struggling to find enough help.”
Ms Horyniak was told she would require a double lung transplant at the beginning of the year. But she was advised that due to being severely underweight, she would need to gain seven kilograms before she could even be placed on the waiting list for the transplant operation.
“My condition makes it difficult to gain weight because I burn calories so much faster than everyone else. I’ve been told that just breathing is the equivalent to someone doing a workout in the gym,” she said.
“There aren’t a lot of services out there. I get some funding through MecwaCare but that’s only eight hours a week. I assumed that would provide more hours given the situation, so it’s used purely for caring for the kids rather than cleaning.”
Ms Horyniak said weekend help had been the most difficult to come by.
She has had friends and neighbours giving up their time to help her, but they have families of their own.
Friend Nic Williamson said that simple things such as making a bed or even picking up after her kids was a huge struggle.
“I’m hoping people will come and help out,” Ms Horyniak said.
“I know it’s not much fun cleaning your own house, let alone somebody else’s, but if lots of people did one thing to help out every couple of months it would make the stress of it all a lot less.
“It would make a huge difference.“
Those interested in helping out can call 0411 570 845 or donate to the Horyniak family at www.gofundme.com/233yfnkk.
Ms Horyniak’s journey can be followed at the ‘Marnie’s Journey through Pulmonary Fibrosis’ Facebook page.
