Captain Nathan Cayless and Luke Burt recently visited the Lopez family to raise awareness and support for a very special little girl, Milliarn.

Milly was born with a very rare genetic syndrome called Ritsher-Schinzel. It is also known as 3C syndrome - Milly has cardiac problems, fluid on the cerebellum and dysmorphic craniofacial features. Her condition is so rare that she is only the 25th case diagnosed in the world and the only case in Australia. She has spent most of her short life in hospital as she has unexplained episodes of "blues spells" which mean that she stops breathing for no apparent reason.

On top of Milly's existing health issues, Milly contracted a highly resistant bacterium whilst in hospital which excludes her from any respite care facilities, this means that she is basically in isolation 24hrs a day and has to be cared for by her mother and father at their family home.

To date the family have applied to numerous government and non government services to get some type of funding to help pay for the nursing care of Milly at home, but have been denied due the fact that they don't fit the 'criteria', leaving the family to raise funds for Milly's care themselves. Nursing care for Milly at home would cost approximately $4,000 per week, money the family simply do not have.

The Pirtek Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club would like to help the family raise money for the care of little Milly at home. If you would like to help please log onto Milly's website which is www.milliarnlopez.com or you can donate directly to:

Account Name: Milliarn Lopez
Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062 453
Account number: 10228321

Let the family know you are an Eels supporter when you donate so we can keep track of the generosity of our supporters.