Mikala Tyler hopeful ahead of controversial treatment

For the past three years Mrs Tyler, 39, has been practically bed-bound as her immune system fights to destroy her internal organs, skin, joints, spine and tissue. 

At 35, she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Now, Mrs Tyler is less than 40 days away from undertaking a controversial treatment where bone-marrow is removed, treated and replanted in her body.

“The best case scenario, I could come out and not have SLE anymore – but any improvement would be great,” she said.

In March, Mrs Tyler spoke out about her illness and the impact it was having on her life and the lives of her husband Jeremy and their combined six children.

She said if she has any sort of recovery, she would put energy into making up for lost time with the children. 

“Even if I had a 50 per cent recovery it would mean everything,” she said.

“All that would go towards family, doing things for the children and doing things around home – even just cooking and cleaning.

“A full recovery … I can’t even really get my head around (that possibility). I’d put my time into my family, rebuilding relationships with my children and catching up on missed time.”   

Mrs Tyler said the community support she had received, along with support of a fundraiser for the controversial treatment, has been outstanding.

She said she was so grateful for the $8500 already donated towards flights, treatment and accommodation.

“I really can’t find words to describe it,” she said.

“It’s been amazing.

“One of the best things to come out of it has been the awareness. 

“I’d love or hate for people to see a day in the life of someone with the disease.

“It’s really sad to see what it does to a person.”

Mrs Tyler said $18,500 was needed to cover her costs.

To help visit the Give Mikala Her Life Back gofundme page.