A Bendigo family's determination and community spirit are driving a fundraising campaign to help James "Jim" Maw, a 42-year-old father of three, travel to the United States for specialist treatment that is unavailable in Australia. After years of chronic illness, Jim has been accepted into a highly specialised dysautonomia program at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, but the cost of treatment and travel exceeds A$30,000.
Jim's health journey began in 2019 after a serious mountain biking accident at Mount Buller. Although he initially believed he had escaped major injury, he later required spinal surgery after damage to several vertebrae in his neck was discovered. Following surgery, he developed a range of unexplained symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, chronic fatigue, severe migraines, vision problems and digestive issues.
Doctors eventually diagnosed him with dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system—the part of the body responsible for regulating automatic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion. The illness has dramatically changed his daily life, leaving him unable to work and significantly limiting his independence.
Over several years, Jim underwent numerous medical assessments and treatments across Australia. He also required a pacemaker after developing dangerously slow heart rhythms. Despite extensive care, specialists concluded that the advanced diagnostic testing and multidisciplinary treatment he now requires are not currently available within Australia.
Hope emerged when the Mayo Clinic accepted Jim into its internationally recognised dysautonomia program. The assessment includes comprehensive neurological and cardiovascular testing designed to identify the underlying causes of complex autonomic disorders and develop personalised treatment strategies. However, because much of the treatment is not covered by Australian healthcare, Jim and his family must raise significant funds to cover medical costs, travel and accommodation.
The fundraising campaign has received strong support from the Bendigo community. Jim's three daughters have played a leading role by using social media and community events to raise awareness and encourage donations. Friends, local businesses and residents have also organised fundraising activities to help the family reach its goal.
Jim, who previously worked in public and environmental health as well as the disability sector, says his greatest motivation is being able to regain enough health to spend quality time with his daughters and return to the active lifestyle he once enjoyed. While there is no guarantee of a cure, the specialist assessment offers the possibility of improved treatment options and a better quality of life.
The campaign has also helped raise awareness of dysautonomia, a condition that remains relatively unknown despite affecting thousands of people worldwide. Supporters hope Jim's story will encourage greater understanding of the challenges faced by people living with complex neurological disorders while giving him the opportunity to access potentially life-changing medical care.
